What it is
This ingredient is an ester of oleic acid with tetraglycerin (polyglycerol-4), forming a mild nonionic emulsifier with no polyethylene glycol content. It is used to stabilize emulsions and to help disperse oils, pigments, and inorganic UV filters, and it lends a soft, conditioning skin feel. It is frequently chosen for PEG-free and naturally positioned formulas.
Safety & warnings
Polyglyceryl esters such as this are mild and generally well tolerated, and are common PEG-free emulsifier choices. Irritation and sensitization potential are low. Oleate-based emulsifiers are used widely in leave-on products and are not generally considered notably comedogenic at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic or semi-synthetic; produced by esterifying polyglycerol (from glycerin) with oleic acid, a fatty acid that may be plant-derived.
Questions everyone asks
What does Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate do?
It works as a mild, PEG-free nonionic emulsifier and helps disperse oils and pigments while giving a soft, conditioning feel.
Is it suitable for PEG-free formulas?
Yes; it is based on polyglycerol rather than polyethylene glycol, so it is commonly used in PEG-free and naturally positioned products.