murphyShea Butter Polyglyceryl-4 Esters
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Shea Butter Esters, Polyglyceryl-4 Shea Butter Esters
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Plant Oil
Clean
OriginNative to West Africa. Derived from shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), a nut fat from West African trees in the Malvaceae family. Created through transesterification of shea butter with polyglycerin-4 to form ester compounds.
Shea Butter Polyglyceryl-4 Esters is the product obtained by the transesterification of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Polyglycerin-4.
Family
Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Plant Part
Nut
CAS #
226993-83-5
Form
Wax
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Shea)
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR