Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate

Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate is a nonionic surfactant/emulsifier (often used around ~0.5–5%) derived from castor oil, generally associated with low irritation in cosmetic use and typically considered suitable for sensitive-skin formulations. As a surfactant it can still contribute to barrier disruption or stinging in highly compromised skin (especially in leave-on products or when combined with other surfactants/actives), but clinically it is far less irritating than anionic surfactants or fragrance components. For patient safety in reactive eczema-prone populations, it rates as very gentle but not fully inert. Safety Notes: Polyglyceryl-6 ricinoleate is used as a nonionic emulsifier/solubilizer and pigment wetting/dispersing aid; in many leave-on lotions, creams, and cleansing products it appears at low supporting levels around 0.05–1% to stabilize emulsions or improve sensory/dispersion. In higher-oil, more challenging systems (e.g., anhydrous cleansing oils/balms that emulsify on rinse, makeup removers, bath oils, and some high-load pigment or SPF dispersions), consumer OTC products commonly use it in the ~2–6% range, with some specialized self-emulsifying oil systems reaching about 8% to achieve robust rinsability and stability. No specific FDA/EU concentration cap applies to this emulsifier in cosmetics; practical upper limits are set by viscosity, feel, and formulation compatibility rather than regulation.