Polyglyceryl-4 oleate

Polyglyceryl-4 oleate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyglyceryl-4 oleic acid ester
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, (Z)-, 9-octadecenoate
CAS #
9007-48-1, 71012-10-7
Form
Oil
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Anti-Aging Benefits
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier derived from glycerin and oleic acid. Created to replace natural emulsifiers and improve stability and texture in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR