Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Lauric Acid

Plant-derived or synthetic | Skin-softening emulsifier

At a glance

May feed Fungal Acne

What Is Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate?

Polyglyceryl-10 laurate is a plant-derived or synthetic ester of coconut-derived lauric acid and the synthetic polymer polyglycerin-10. Polyglyceryl-10 laurate functions as a skin-softening emulsifier but is also an effective surface-active agent (surfactant).

Studies have found polyglyceryl-10 laurate is a gentle cleansing agent, and the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled it safe in its current use in cosmetics.

Use levels of polyglyceryl-10 laurate in cosmetics range from 0.0009-6.5% in leave-on products such as moisturizer and 0.2–5% when used in rinse-off formulations.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • SpecialChem.com, Website, Accessed December 2024 [URL]
  • Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, September 2024, ePublication [URL]
  • International Journal of Toxicology, August 2023, pages 5S-101S [URL]
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, July 2012, pages 2,479-2,489 [URL]

How widely it's used

2.6%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 50% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Treatments Cleansers Masks

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE
EC Number
-
Function
Skin Conditioning

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