Polyglyceryl-4 caprate
What is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is a non-ionic surfactant with the INCI name POLYGLYCERYL-4 CAPRATE. The product is an ester of polyglycerol and capric acid, a saturated fatty acid with a C10 chain length. Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is produced entirely from renewable plant-based raw materials and has a strongly hydrophilic character due to its high HLB value.
The product is mainly used as a solubiliser and emulsifier in cosmetic and technical formulations. Thanks to its good solubilising properties, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate is a plant-based alternative to traditional ethoxylates.
Due to its specific chemical structure, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate combines:
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Good solubilising properties
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High HLB value and hydrophilic character
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Plant-based and renewable raw materials
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Emulsifying and wetting properties
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An ethylene oxide-free composition
The product is an interesting alternative to traditional emulsifiers such as:
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Polysorbate 20
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Polysorbate 80
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PEG-33 Castor Oil
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PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Due to its combination of plant-based origin and good solubilising properties, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is particularly suitable for formulations in which synthetically ethoxylated emulsifiers are being replaced.
Packaging
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
- Bulk
CAS
160391-93-5
INCI-name
Polyglyceryl-4 caprate
Application
- Technisch
- Cosmetisch
How is Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate produced?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is produced by esterifying polyglycerol with capric acid. Both raw materials can be derived entirely from renewable plant-based sources.
The production process generally includes:
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Production of plant-based glycerol
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Polymerisation of glycerol into polyglycerol
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Esterification of polyglycerol with capric acid
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Purification and standardisation of the final product
During polymerisation, several glycerol molecules are linked together. The resulting polyglycerol then reacts with capric acid, forming a non-ionic surfactant.
The combination of hydrophilic polyglycerol groups and a lipophilic fatty acid chain gives the product its surface-active properties.
This results in a raw material with:
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Good affinity for water
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Solubilising properties
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Emulsifying action
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A high HLB value
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A composition without ethylene oxide groups
Since no ethoxylation is required during production, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate provides an alternative to PEG-based and other ethoxylated emulsifiers.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate work in a formulation?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate primarily functions as a solubiliser, emulsifier and wetting agent. The hydrophilic and lipophilic parts of the molecule make it possible to disperse oily components in water-based systems.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate work as a solubiliser?
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate helps incorporate small amounts of hydrophobic substances, such as fragrance oils and certain vegetable oils, into aqueous formulations.
The effects include:
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Improved solubility of oily ingredients
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Homogeneous distribution of fragrance oils
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Reduced risk of phase separation
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The possibility of developing clear formulations
Practical example: In a facial toner containing a small amount of fragrance oil, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate can be used to distribute the fragrance evenly throughout the water phase. The final clarity depends on the concentrations and other ingredients.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate work as an emulsifier?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water, thereby supporting the formation of emulsions.
As a result:
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Oily ingredients can be dispersed more effectively
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The homogeneity of formulations is improved
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The stability of oil-in-water emulsions can be supported
Practical example: In a light cleansing lotion, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate can help disperse a small amount of vegetable oil in the water phase.
What wetting properties does Polyglycerol-4 Caprate have?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate has surface-active properties and can support the wetting of surfaces.
This contributes to:
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Better spreading of liquids
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Even distribution of ingredients
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Improved miscibility of different components
Practical example: In a water-based cleaning formulation, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate can help spread the cleaning liquid evenly over the surface being cleaned.
Why is the high HLB value important?
The HLB value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) indicates how hydrophilic or lipophilic a surfactant is.
Due to its high HLB value, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate has a strong affinity for water. This makes the product interesting for solubilising oily ingredients in water-based formulations.
The exact dosage required depends on the oil used, the composition of the formulation and the desired clarity.
In which industries is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate used?
Cosmetics & Personal Care
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Facial toners and micellar water
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Cleansing lotions
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Facial cleansers
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Hair care products
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Body lotions
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Fragrance-containing water-based formulations
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate is particularly interesting for cosmetics manufacturers looking for plant-based, non-ethoxylated solubilisers.
Natural and plant-based formulations
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Plant-based skincare products
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PEG-free cosmetic formulations
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Cleaning products containing renewable raw materials
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Formulations with natural fragrances
Its plant-based origin and ethylene oxide-free production make Polyglycerol-4 Caprate interesting for brands seeking to replace ethoxylated ingredients. Suitability for specific natural cosmetics certifications must be verified separately.
Technical and industrial applications
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Water-based cleaning agents
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Technical solubilisation systems
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Emulsion formulations
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Specialised surfactant blends
Its applicability depends on the desired formulation properties and compatibility with other ingredients.
Besides Polyglycerol-4 Caprate we have other products in our range. Check it out on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Polyglycerol-4 Caprate
1. What are the advantages of Polyglycerol-4 Caprate?
The main advantages are:
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Based entirely on renewable plant-based raw materials
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No ethoxylation required during production
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High HLB value
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Good solubilising properties
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Suitable as an alternative to various PEG-based emulsifiers
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Widely applicable in cosmetic formulations
In addition, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate can contribute to the development of formulations with a higher proportion of plant-based raw materials.
2. What should be considered when using Polyglycerol-4 Caprate?
Although Polyglycerol-4 Caprate has good solubilising properties, its performance depends on the overall formulation.
Important considerations include:
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Not every oil can be solubilised at the same ratio
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Specific mixing ratios may be required for clear formulations
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The optimal dosage must be determined through formulation testing
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Compatibility with other ingredients must be checked
In formulations with a high oil content, an additional emulsifier may be required.
3. Is Polyglycerol-4 Caprate suitable for natural cosmetics?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is based entirely on renewable plant-based raw materials and is produced without ethoxylation.
This makes it interesting for natural and plant-based cosmetic products.
Whether a specific grade meets certification standards such as COSMOS depends on production data, origin and available documentation.
4. Can Polyglycerol-4 Caprate replace PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Yes, Polyglycerol-4 Caprate can be used as a plant-based alternative to PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in certain formulations.
Both ingredients are used to solubilise hydrophobic substances in aqueous systems.
The difference is that Polyglycerol-4 Caprate contains no ethylene oxide groups. This makes it suitable for formulations in which PEG-based ingredients are avoided.
However, the required concentration and final clarity must be tested for each formulation.
5. What is the difference between Polyglycerol-4 Caprate and Polysorbate 20?
The main difference lies in the chemical structure and production process.
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is produced from plant-based polyglycerol and capric acid, without ethoxylation.
Polysorbate 20 is an ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid ester that is also used as a solubiliser and emulsifier.
Both products can be used to solubilise fragrance oils, but they differ in:
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Chemical composition
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Production method
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Solubilising performance
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Compatibility with specific ingredients
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Suitability for certain formulation requirements
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate can therefore be an interesting alternative to Polysorbate 20, but direct one-to-one replacement is not always possible.
Chempri: your partner for Polyglycerol-4 Caprate
Chempri supplies Polyglycerol-4 Caprate (Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate) from Europe for use in cosmetic and technical formulations.
We support customers with:
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Reliable deliveries
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Consistent product quality
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Technical support
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Product specifications, SDS and COA
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Information on alternative emulsifiers and solubilisers
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Flexible batch sizes
At Chempri, we specialise in the production and supply of oleochemicals and their derivatives, including plant-based emulsifiers and solubilisers.
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate is an interesting choice for manufacturers seeking to replace traditional ethoxylated emulsifiers such as Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80 and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil with a plant-based alternative.
Do you have questions about the applications, product specifications or availability of Polyglycerol-4 Caprate?
