Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-5 oleate
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A natural plant-derived ingredient that helps blend oil and water together, creating smooth, lightweight textures in creams and serums.
CAS #
86529-98-8
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
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.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A plant-derived style emulsifier created from polyglycerin and oleic acid. Developed to provide cosmetic formulations with improved skin feel and conditioning properties while maintaining emulsification stability.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR