Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Caprol® ET
Comprised of vegetable fatty acids | Skin conditioning ingredient
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate?
Polyglyceryl-6 octastearate is an ester comprised in part of vegetable fatty acids that functions as a skin conditioning ingredient and surfactant in cosmetics. It is also known by the trade name Caprol® ET. It is commonly used in combination with other emulsifiers in oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled that polyglyceryl-6 octastearate is safe in cosmetics in its current practices of use. It’s permitted as a safe food additive; you may see it on the ingredient list for salad dressings since it inhibits crystallization of vegetable oils.
In cosmetics, the typical use levels of polyglyceryl-6 octastearate is 0.2–5%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CoSmile Europe, Website, Accessed March 2025 [https://cosmileeurope.eu/]
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ULProspector, Website, Accessed March 2025 [https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na]
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International Journal of Toxicology, June 2023, pages 5S-101S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10915818231174440]
From the Clinic
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Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Gentle cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient | Commonly found in cleansing lotions, makeup removers, and micellar waters
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Made from combining an ester of stearic acid with a polymer of glycerin | Works as an oil-in-water emulsifier, and cleansing agent
Polyglyceryl-6 Isostearate
Synthetic mixture of fatty acids from stearic acids and a glycerin polymer | Functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and surfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
The ester of oleic acid and humectant polyglycerin-6 | Versatile performance as an emollient, surfactant and emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Olivate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in formulations
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulations
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