murphyPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Lauric/Sebacic Acid Polyglyceryl Ester, Mixed Chain Emulsifier
Synthetic
Cleanser
Solvent
Clean
OriginDerived from glycerin and a mixture of lauric and sebacic acids, both obtained through synthetic or natural chemical sources. Synthesized through esterification of polyglycerin-4 with lauric and sebacic acids.
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate is the monoester of Polyglycerin-4 and a mixture of lauric and sebacic acids
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hydrotrope
Dissolves Ingredients
Cleansing Surfactant
Surfactant Hydrotrope
Anti-Aging Benefits
Lifts away dirt and oil
Improves ingredient solubility
Dissolves other ingredients
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 717)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 717)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2023
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR