Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Polyglycerin-6
Functions as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and surfactant | May be plant-derived or synthetic
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Dicaprate?
Polyglyceryl-6 dicaprate plays multifaceted roles in the realm of skin care formulations, functioning as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and surfactant. According to the Personal Care Products Council, this ingredient can be sourced naturally from plants or may be synthetically made. Chemically speaking, it is the diester of the fatty acid capric acid and polyglycerin-6.
Suppliers extol the efficacy of polyglyceryl-6 dicaprate in facilitating makeup removal, which handily explains its presence in cleansing balms/oils, facial cleansers, makeup wipes, micellar waters, and other makeup-removing formulations.
As a raw material, polyglyceryl-6 dicaprate is described as a viscous liquid ranging in hue from pale yellow to light brown.
Polyglyceryl-6 dicaprate was deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in their 2016 final report. Use levels of polyglyceryl-6 dicaprate range from 0.5–30%, depending on formulary needs and intended use.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Personal Care Products Council, Accessed September 2023, ePublication [https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/]
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SpecialChem (supplier info), Accessed September 2023, ePublication [https://www.specialchem.com/]
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review, November 2016, pages 1-99 [https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGlyFE092016FR.pdf]
From the Clinic
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