Ingredient review
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
INCI: Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
A mild, skin-friendly emulsifier that creates stable, lightweight formulas without stripping the skin.
In plain English
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is a gentle emulsifier made from glycerin and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil). Its job is to help water and oil mix together in creams, lotions, and cleansers so the product feels smooth and doesn't separate. Because it's derived from natural sources and has a large, mild molecule, it's very unlikely to irritate or clog pores, making it a popular choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A non-ionic emulsifier derived from polyglycerin (a polymer of glycerin) and myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly found in coconut and palm kernel oils. It belongs to the polyglyceryl ester family, known for being exceptionally mild.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. In a cream or lotion, it creates tiny droplets of oil suspended in water (or vice versa), giving the product a smooth texture. On the skin, it helps spread ingredients evenly and can also act as a very mild cleansing agent that removes dirt without stripping natural oils.
Pros
Exceptionally gentle
Its large molecular structure makes it too big to penetrate deeply into the skin, so it sits on the surface and rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.
Pore-friendly
Rated very low on the comedogenic scale, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores, making it a safe choice for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Cons and cautions
Limited emulsifying power alone
For very thick or high-oil creams, it may need help from other emulsifiers to keep the formula stable, which can complicate a product's ingredient list.
Potential palm oil connection
Myristic acid is often sourced from palm oil, so if you're concerned about environmental impact, look for brands that specify sustainable or certified palm-free sources.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin
- Those looking for non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizers
Use caution if
- Individuals specifically avoiding all polyglycerin derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations. It is biodegradable and not known to be a skin sensitizer.
Research notes
Research on polyglyceryl esters indicates they are among the mildest emulsifiers available, with studies showing minimal skin irritation and no evidence of systemic toxicity. Specific studies on Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate are limited, but the broader class is well-documented as safe.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide, including by the EU CosIng database and the US FDA (as part of generally recognized safe emulsifiers). No concentration restrictions are typically imposed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Moisturizers, Serums, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Myristic acid is often derived from palm or coconut oil. If sourced from non-sustainable palm oil, it may contribute to deforestation. Many suppliers now offer RSPO-certified or palm-free versions.
Good to know
- Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is part of a family of emulsifiers that are considered 'polymer' emulsifiers, which are known for being extra mild.
- It is often used in 'natural' or 'clean' beauty products because it can be derived from plant sources.
Common questions
What is Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate in beauty products?
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is a gentle emulsifier made from glycerin and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil). Its job is to help water and oil mix together in creams, lotions, and cleansers so the product feels smooth and doesn't separate. Because it's derived from natural sources and has a large, mild molecule, it's very unlikely to irritate or clog pores, making it a popular choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
What does Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. In a cream or lotion, it creates tiny droplets of oil suspended in water (or vice versa), giving the product a smooth texture. On the skin, it helps spread ingredients evenly and can also act as a very mild cleansing agent that removes dirt without stripping natural oils.
Is Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate safe for most people?
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations. It is biodegradable and not known to be a skin sensitizer.
Who should be careful with Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate?
Individuals specifically avoiding all polyglycerin derivatives (rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.