Polyglyceryl-6 laurate is a chemical compound, ester of lauric acid.

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is an emulsifier derived from natural raw materials, such as fatty acids and glycerol. It is commonly used in cosmetic products to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of creams, lotions, and personal care items. Due to its plant-based origin and its ability to be gentle on the skin, it is highly valued in natural and organic formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is a compound formed by esterifying six glycerol units with lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid found in many plants, such as coconut oil. The chemical structure of this emulsifier allows it to bond with both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (oil-loving) molecules, making it easier to blend water and oils in formulations.

Physical Properties

It typically appears as a viscous liquid or fine powder, soluble in water and certain oils. Thanks to its ability to form stable emulsions, it helps create products with a smooth and homogeneous texture, preventing the separation of water and oils.

Production Process

Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is produced through an esterification process, combining glycerol with lauric acid. This process is carefully controlled to ensure the final product is stable and safe for cosmetic use, offering good compatibility with other ingredients.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Polyglyceryl-6 refers to a polyglycerin derivative where the average number of glycerin units is 6. Polyglycerine is glycerin polymers, a three-carbon molecule that can be attached to fatty acids to form glycerides.
• Laurate refers to the lauric acid part of the molecule. Lauric acid is a twelve-carbon fatty acid.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Glycerol - A trihydroxy molecule that serves as the backbone for polyglycerol.
• Lauric acid - A 12-carbon fatty acid that is used to esterify the polyglycerol.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Preparation of reagents. The main raw materials include glycerol and lauric acid.
• Polyglycerolization. The glycerol is heated and polymerized to form polyglycerol-6 (a polymer of glycerol with six glycerol units) through a polymerization reaction catalyzed by an acid or base.
• Esterification. The polyglycerol-6 is mixed with lauric acid in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or p-toluenesulfonic acid.
• Heating. The mixture is heated to a controlled temperature (approximately 180-200°C) to initiate the esterification reaction, which produces Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate and water.
• Removal of water. The water produced during the reaction is removed through vacuum distillation or by using a drying agent, such as anhydrous sodium sulfate.
• Cooling. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature.
• Neutralization. The mixture is neutralized by adding a base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to remove excess acidic catalyst.
• Washing. The Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is washed with deionized water to remove any soluble impurities.
• Drying. The washed Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is dried at controlled temperatures to remove residual moisture and obtain a dry product.
• Filtration. The solution is filtered to remove any solid impurities.
• Grinding. The dried Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is ground to obtain a fine and uniform powder.
• Classification. The dried powder is classified to ensure a uniform particle size. This step may involve sieving or the use of air classifiers.
• Stabilization. The Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is stabilized to ensure its stability during transportation and storage, preventing aggregation and degradation.
• Quality control. The Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure it meets standards for purity, safety, and functionality. These tests include chemical analysis and spectroscopy.

What it is for and where

Polyglyceryl-6 laurate and related compounds have been studied for various applications, including as supports for enzyme immobilization, in deep eutectic systems for enzymatic synthesis, and as potential permeation enhancers in pharmaceutical formulations.

Cosmetics

It is used in cosmetics to improve the penetration of other substances in microemulsions.

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.

CAS   51033-38-6

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is well-tolerated by the skin and is not known to cause irritation or sensitization, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is approved for use in a variety of skincare and haircare products.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate are rare. However, as with all cosmetic ingredients, it is advisable to perform a patch test before using on very sensitive skin.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence that Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is toxic or carcinogenic. It is considered safe for cosmetic use and poses no known health risks when used at recommended concentrations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Since it is derived from plant-based raw materials, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact. It is a sustainable choice for cosmetic products, especially in eco-friendly and natural formulations.

Regulatory Status
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate is approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the European Union and the United States. It complies with cosmetic safety regulations, ensuring its safe use in a variety of products.

Polyglyceryl laurate studies