Common Name(s): Polyglyceryl-4 lauryl ether,pg-4 lauryl ether,polyglycerol-4 dodecyl ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Gently cleanses skin while helping oil and water blend in natural formulas.

Why It's Used: An ether-linked (more stable than ester) polyglyceryl surfactant using c12 lauryl alcohol; hlb ~9–11 suitable for mild cleansing and o/w emulsification.

How It Works: Ether linkage provides superior hydrolytic stability vs ester-linked analogs; pg-4 head provides hydrophilicity; c12 lauryl tail provides detergent activity; hlb ~9-11.

Typically Found In: Natural cleansers,o/w emulsions,mild surfactant systems,organic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant

Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,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: Polyglycerol from vegetable glycerol; lauryl alcohol from coconut; naturally derived. [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: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Natural surfactants,other polyglyceryl emulsifiers,humectants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ether-linked polyglyceryl surfactants have superior hydrolytic stability to ester-linked analogs; c12 lauryl ether of pg-4 provides mild detergency with o/w emulsification (hlb ~9-11); valued in natural/organic cosmetics.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary