emulsifiersWax Beads

Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate

emulsifieremollientviscosity modifier
CAS Number:95461-65-7

INCI Name

Polyglyceryl-6 Stear...

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

8/10

Category

emulsifiers

What It Does

Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate is a polyglycerol ester formed by esterifying six glycerin molecules with stearic acid, typically derived from vegetable sources. This particular wax bead variant serves as a low-HLB emulsifier ideal for water-in-oil emulsions and provides a unique waxy texture that enhances skin feel while offering mild emollient properties. Formulators favor it for natural and clean beauty formulations due to its plant-derived origin, excellent skin compatibility, and ability to create stable, elegant textures in creams and balms without the need for ethoxylated ingredients.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures
Creates elegant cream textures
Enables layered formulations
Improves ingredient distribution

Technical Properties

HLB Value

6

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

thickening

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

nonionic surfactantsother polyglycerol estersnatural oils and butterswaxesmost emollients

Avoid Combining

strong acidsstrong oxidizershigh concentrations of electrolytes
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

8/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

glycerin and stearic acid from vegetable oils

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