Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-4 stearate
Surfactant · Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, monooctadecanoate;Polyglycerol monostearate 1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, monooctadecanoate (MW=450)
CAS #
26855-44-7, 37349-34-1, 68004-11-5
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Anti-Aging Benefits
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the mid-20th century as an alternative to traditional soap-based emulsifiers. Designed to create stable emulsions in cosmetics while being gentler on skin than conventional surfactants.
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