Polyglyceryl-4 Punicate

AKA: Pomegranate Oil Polyglyceryl-4 Ester
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Polyglyceryl-4 Punicate is the ester of Polyglycerin-4 and punicic acid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Anti-Aging Benefits
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier developed in the late 20th century, combining polyglycerin chemistry with pomegranate-derived (punicate) fatty acids to create a plant-derived hybrid emulsifier for contemporary skincare products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR