Polyglyceryl-4 oleate M
What is Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M?
Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M is a non-ionic surfactant with the INCI name Polyglyceryl-4 oleate. The product is formed by the reaction of polyglycerol with oleic acid, an unsaturated C18 fatty acid. It consists entirely of renewable plant-based raw materials and is used as a solubiliser and emulsifier due to its stated high HLB value.
The combination of hydrophilic polyglycerol groups and a lipophilic fatty acid chain makes it possible to support the dispersion of oils, fragrances and other components that are difficult to dissolve in water.
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Good solubilising properties
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Emulsifying and wetting action
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High HLB value according to the product description
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Entirely plant-based and renewable raw materials
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Production without ethoxylation
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Suitable as an alternative to certain PEG-based emulsifiers
Polyglyceryl-4 oleate is of interest to manufacturers looking to replace ethoxylated surfactants such as Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, PEG-33 Castor Oil and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
Packaging
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
- Bulk
CAS
9007-48-1
71012-10-7
INCI-name
Polyglyceryl-4 oleate
Application
- Technisch
- Cosmetisch
How is Polyglyceryl-4 oleate produced?
Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M is produced by esterifying polyglycerol with oleic acid. Both raw materials can be derived from vegetable oils and fats.
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Extraction of plant-based glycerol from vegetable oils and fats
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Formation of polyglycerol by linking glycerol molecules
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Esterification of polyglycerol with oleic acid
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Purification and standardisation of the final product
The polyglycerol structure forms the hydrophilic part of the molecule. The oleic acid chain is lipophilic and has an affinity for oily ingredients. As a result, the substance can position itself at the interface between oil and water. A commercial grade may contain a distribution of related ester structures.
No ethylene oxide is required for production. This distinguishes this raw material from PEG-based and other ethoxylated emulsifiers.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M work in a formulation?
Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water, thereby supporting the dispersion of hydrophobic ingredients in water-based systems.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M work as a solubiliser?
The hydrophilic polyglycerol groups have an affinity for water, while the oleic acid chain interacts with lipophilic substances. Suitable mixed structures can therefore disperse small amounts of oily ingredients in an aqueous formulation.
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Solubilisation of certain fragrance oils
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Dispersion of suitable vegetable oils
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Incorporation of lipophilic ingredients into aqueous products
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Support for homogeneous formulations
Practical example: In a water-based body mist containing a small amount of fragrance oil, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate can be investigated as a solubiliser. Clarity depends on the fragrance composition, dosage and other ingredients.
How does Polyglyceryl-4 oleate support emulsion formation?
As an emulsifier, the product reduces the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases. During mixing, oil droplets can form and disperse more easily. This can support homogeneity and physical stability.
Practical example: In a light cleansing lotion, Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M can form part of an emulsifier system for vegetable oil. At higher oil concentrations, an additional emulsifier or stabiliser may be required.
What role does the HLB value play?
HLB stands for Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance and describes the balance between water-loving and oil-loving properties. According to the product description, Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M has a high HLB value and is therefore of interest for water-based solubilisation systems.
Performance does not depend solely on the HLB value: the oil, concentration, temperature and other surfactants are also determining factors. Therefore, test the solubilisation capacity and stability in the final formulation.
How does Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M help replace ethoxylates?
Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M is based on plant-derived polyglycerol and fatty acid raw materials, is produced without ethoxylation and contains no PEG chains. In suitable formulations, it can perform functions similar to those of traditional solubilisers.
Replacement is not always possible on a one-to-one basis. When switching, clarity, viscosity, stability and dosage must be reassessed.
In which industries is Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M used?
Cosmetics & Personal Care
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Facial cleansers and cleansing lotions
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Body mists and fragrance waters
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Hair care products
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Light skincare emulsions
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Water-based products containing lipophilic ingredients
The ultimate suitability depends on the desired product properties and the complete formulation.
Natural and plant-based cosmetics
Due to its plant-based origin and ethylene oxide-free production, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate can be used in PEG-free skincare, plant-based cleansing formulations and products containing natural fragrances. Suitability for specific natural cosmetics certifications must be established through product documentation.
Technical and industrial applications
Potential applications include water-based cleaning formulations, technical emulsions, specialised surfactant blends and systems containing vegetable oil components. Compatibility and performance must be tested for each application.
In addition to Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M, we offer many other products in our range. Read about them on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M
1. What are the main advantages of Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M?
The advantages are its plant-based origin, production without ethoxylation and the combination of solubilising and emulsifying properties. Its non-ionic structure makes the product of interest for various water-based systems.
2. What is the difference between Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M and Polyglycerol-4 Caprate?
Polyglycerol-4 Caprate contains capric acid, a saturated C10 fatty acid. Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M contains oleic acid, an unsaturated C18 fatty acid. As a result, their interactions with oils and potentially their solubilising performance differ. The two products are not interchangeable without formulation testing.
3. Can Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M replace Polysorbate 80?
In certain formulations, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate can be investigated as an alternative. Polysorbate 80 is an ethoxylated sorbitan oleate ester; Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M is based on polyglycerol and oleic acid. Due to the structural differences, concentration, emulsion properties and stability may vary.
4. Is Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M suitable as an alternative to PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
It can be a plant-based alternative when a non-ethoxylated solubiliser is desired. Whether the same clarity and stability can be achieved depends on the lipophilic ingredient and the mixing ratio. Test the replacement in the final formulation.
5. Is Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M entirely plant-based and PEG-free?
According to the product description, it consists entirely of renewable plant-based raw materials. The intended ester structure contains no PEG chains because the production process does not involve ethoxylation. Current supplier documentation is authoritative for specific origin or certification claims.
6. What should be considered when formulating?
Check the ratio of solubiliser to oil, clarity or turbidity, storage stability, effects on viscosity and compatibility with other surfactants. This allows the optimal dosage to be determined.
Chempri: your partner for Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M
At Chempri, we specialise in the production and supply of high-quality oleochemicals and their derivatives, including Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M. Our products are manufactured in our modern production facility and can be tailored to the specific needs of our customers.
With Polyglyceryl-4 oleate, we offer a plant-based alternative to traditional ethoxylated emulsifiers. The product is of interest for PEG-free cosmetics and water-based formulations where the solubilisation of oily ingredients is important.
Would you like to know whether Polyglycerol-4 Oleate M is suitable for your formulation, or are you looking for an alternative to Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80 or PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Do you have any questions or would you like to place an order directly?
