Ingredient review

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate

INCI: POLYGLYCERYL-10 NONAERUCATE

A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without clogging pores.

beautyskincareemulsifier

In plain English

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in skincare products, so you get a smooth, creamy texture. It's made from glycerin (a natural moisturizer) and erucic acid (a fatty acid from plants like rapeseed). Because it's very mild and unlikely to irritate or clog pores, it's a popular choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic emulsifier created by combining polyglycerin-10 (a chain of glycerin molecules) with erucic acid, a long-chain fatty acid found in rapeseed oil. It belongs to the polyglyceryl ester family, known for being gentle and biodegradable.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This creates a smooth, non-greasy texture in creams and lotions. It also helps other ingredients spread evenly on the skin and can improve the feel of a product.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate has a very low irritation risk, making it ideal for sensitive skin types that react to harsher emulsifiers.

Lightweight texture

It helps create creams and lotions that feel light and absorb quickly, without leaving a heavy or sticky residue on the skin.

Cons and cautions

Limited research

Compared to more common emulsifiers like cetearyl alcohol, there is less published research on this specific ingredient's long-term effects on skin.

May need co-emulsifiers

In formulas with a very high oil content, it may not provide enough stability on its own and often requires a second emulsifier to prevent separation.

Best for

  • People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
  • Those looking for lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers
  • Acne-prone individuals seeking non-comedogenic products

Use caution if

  • Anyone with a known allergy to erucic acid or rapeseed derivatives (very rare)

Usage tips

Look for this ingredient in lightweight moisturizers and serums if you prefer a non-greasy finish.
It works well in water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions, so check the product texture to see if it matches your preference.
Store products containing this emulsifier in a cool, dry place to maintain formula stability.

Safety summary

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.

Research notes

Research on polyglyceryl esters, including this one, indicates they are mild, non-irritating, and effective emulsifiers. While specific studies on Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate are limited, the broader class is well-regarded for safety and skin compatibility.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.5% to 5%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. It is not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS.
Common uses
Moisturizers, Serums, Cleansers, Sunscreens
Environmental note
Derived from rapeseed oil and glycerin, both renewable plant sources. It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic emulsifiers.

Good to know

  • Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate is often used in 'clean beauty' formulations because it is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources.
  • It is part of a broader class of polyglyceryl esters that are considered safer alternatives to ethoxylated emulsifiers like polysorbates.

Common questions

What is Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate in beauty products?

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in skincare products, so you get a smooth, creamy texture. It's made from glycerin (a natural moisturizer) and erucic acid (a fatty acid from plants like rapeseed). Because it's very mild and unlikely to irritate or clog pores, it's a popular choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

What does Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This creates a smooth, non-greasy texture in creams and lotions. It also helps other ingredients spread evenly on the skin and can improve the feel of a product.

Is Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate safe for most people?

Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.

Who should be careful with Polyglyceryl-10 Nonaerucate?

Anyone with a known allergy to erucic acid or rapeseed derivatives (very rare)

Research sources

CosIng - European Commission databaseOpenPubChem - Polyglyceryl-10 NonaerucateOpenSafety Assessment of Polyglyceryl Esters (CIR)Open

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.