A polyglycerol ester of olive and polyricinoleic acids, used as an emulsifier.
What it is
Polyglyceryl-4 olivate/polyricinoleate is a complex ester formed by reacting polyglycerin-4 with the fatty acids of olive oil and with polyricinoleic acid, a polymer of the main fatty acid of castor oil. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying surfactant, emulsion-stabilising, dispersing surfactant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in creams, lotions, sunscreens and other emulsions.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name refers to a mixture of esters, not a single compound.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- Emulsion stabilising
- Helping the process of emulsification and improving emulsion stability and shelf-life.
- Surfactant – dispersing
- Helping distribute an insoluble solid in a liquid phase.
- Skin conditioning – miscellaneous
- Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.