Polyglycerin-6

Polyglycerin-6 is a non-ionic humectant/emollient (polyol) typically used at a few percent to improve slip and moisturization, and it is generally well-tolerated in patch testing with low inherent irritancy. However, like other polyols, it can occasionally sting on compromised or highly inflamed skin (e.g., eczema flares) due to barrier disruption and osmotic effects, so it is not truly inert. Given its strong safety profile but non-zero potential for transient stinging in sensitized populations, a very gentle score is most appropriate. Safety Notes: Polyglycerin-6 is most often used as a humectant/solubilizer/co-surfactant in emulsions and cleansers, where it commonly appears at low supportive levels around 0.1–1% in leave-on lotions/serums and rinse-off facial cleansers. In higher-solvent or surfactant-lean systems (e.g., micellar waters, makeup removers, gentle sulfate-free cleansers, and some high-humectant gel serums), commercial products use it at several percent, with observed consumer-available high-strength formulations reaching ~10–15% to boost mildness, solubilization, and skin feel. No specific FDA/EU maximum applies for this ingredient in cosmetics; practical upper limits are driven by viscosity, tackiness, clarity, and compatibility rather than regulation.