Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate
AKA “Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyglyceryl-4 stearate
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A natural plant-derived ingredient that blends oils and water together, helping create smooth, evenly-textured products that feel lightweight on skin.
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.
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
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
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