Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is an ester compound formed by the reaction of polyhydroxystearic acid (a hydroxylated derivative of stearic acid) with Polyglyceryl-6. This ingredient is valued for its excellent emulsifying, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, making it useful in various cosmetic and personal care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate consists of:

Polyhydroxystearic Acid: A hydroxylated derivative of stearic acid known for its emollient and skin-conditioning properties.
Polyglyceryl-6: A polymer of glycerin with six glycerol units, providing excellent moisturizing and emulsifying capabilities.

Physical Properties

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is typically a viscous liquid or semi-solid substance with a light to dark yellow color and a mild, neutral aroma. It is both water-dispersible and oil-soluble, making it a versatile ingredient in emulsions and various cosmetic formulations.

Production Process

Synthesis of Polyglyceryl-6: Glycerin is polymerized to form Polyglyceryl-6.
Reaction with Polyhydroxystearic Acid: Polyglyceryl-6 is esterified with polyhydroxystearic acid under controlled conditions to form Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate.
Purification: The resulting product is purified to remove any unreacted materials or impurities.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality tests are conducted to evaluate the purity, stability, and composition of the final product, including chemical and microbiological analyses.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Used in creams, lotions, serums, and emulsions for its emulsifying, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties.
Skin Care: Ideal for formulations aimed at hydrating, protecting, and conditioning the skin due to its combined benefits of polyhydroxystearic acid and Polyglyceryl-6.
Hair Care: Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for its ability to nourish and condition hair while improving product texture and spreadability.
Personal Care Products: Used in body washes, cleansers, and other personal care items for its emulsifying and hydrating effects.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. Sustainable sourcing of polyhydroxystearic acid and glycerin is important to ensure the environmental impact is minimized.

INCI


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.
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