Common Name(s): Glycereth-6 trioleate,peg-6 glyceryl trioleate,polyoxyethylene-6 glyceryl trioleate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend in rich creams while providing an oleic acid-rich skin conditioning effect.

Why It's Used: Trioleate ester on peg-6 glycerol gives a low-to-moderate hlb (~5–7); liquid due to oleyl unsaturation; used in rich w/o or balanced emulsion systems.

How It Works: Peg-6 glycerol head provides mild hydrophilicity; three oleate chains provide oil-phase anchoring and liquid character; hlb ~5–7; penetration-enhancing from oleic acid.

Typically Found In: Rich creams,w/o emulsions,skin conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Emollient,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Glycerol plant-derived; oleic acid from plant; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate (oleic acid)

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Other emulsifiers,emollients,natural oils

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glycereth-6 trioleate provides liquid w/o emulsification with penetration-enhancing oleic acid benefits; the triple oleate structure maintains liquidity and limits waxy crystallization versus glycereth stearate analogs.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary