Polyglyceryl-5 Dicaprylate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-5 Dicaprylate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-5 dicaprylate
Surfactant · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Polyglyceryl-5 Dicaprylate is the diester of Caprylic Acid with a glycerin polymer containing 5 glycerin units.
CAS #
108777-93-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Created as a modern emulsifier combining polyglycerin with caprylic acid. Designed to provide improved stability and spreadability in cosmetic formulations with a lighter feel than traditional emulsifiers.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR