What it is
Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate is made by esterifying decaglycerol with a single isostearic acid group, giving a relatively hydrophilic, water-friendly emulsifier. In sunscreens and skincare it helps create and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and can also serve as a gentle solubilizer. It is popular in mild, PEG-free formulations.
Safety & warnings
Like other polyglyceryl esters, it is considered a mild, well-tolerated emulsifier with low irritation potential, making it suitable for gentle and sensitive-skin formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic ester typically from renewable sources. The polyglycerol backbone comes from glycerin and it is combined with isostearic acid.
Questions everyone asks
What does Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate do?
It acts as a mild nonionic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix into a stable, smooth product.
Why is it used instead of PEG emulsifiers?
It offers similar emulsifying performance while being plant-derived and gentle, so it is often chosen for PEG-free and sensitive-skin formulations.