Ingredient review
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate
INCI: Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate
A mild, non-irritating emulsifier that helps create stable, lightweight creams and lotions without stripping the skin.
In plain English
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in your skincare products. It is made from glycerin (a natural humectant) and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil). Because it is derived from plant sources and has a low irritation potential, it is often used in formulas for sensitive skin. It also leaves a soft, non-greasy feel on the 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-5 Pentamyristate 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-5 Pentamyristate.
- 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 semi-synthetic emulsifier created by combining glycerin with myristic acid. It belongs to the polyglyceryl ester family, known for being milder than traditional emulsifiers.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents your lotion or cream from separating and gives it a smooth, spreadable texture. It also deposits a thin, conditioning film on the skin that helps retain moisture.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate has a very low irritation risk, making it a good choice for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Lightweight feel
It creates emulsions that feel light and non-greasy, so your moisturizer absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue.
Cons and cautions
Limited moisturizing power
As an emulsifier, it does not add significant moisture on its own; it works best in formulas with other humectants and emollients.
Less common in drugstore products
You may find it more often in specialty or clean beauty brands, so it can be harder to find in everyday products.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a gentle moisturizer
- Anyone who prefers lightweight, non-greasy creams and lotions
Use caution if
- Those with very dry skin may need a richer emulsifier blend for added moisture
Usage tips
Safety summary
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on polyglyceryl esters indicates they are mild and well-tolerated. Specific studies on Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate are limited, but the broader class is supported by safety assessments from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as part of the Generally Recognized as Safe list for indirect food contact) and the EU CosIng database.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Cleansers, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Derived from plant-based glycerin and fatty acids, and is biodegradable, making it a relatively eco-friendly choice.
Good to know
- Polyglyceryl esters are often used as alternatives to PEG emulsifiers in 'clean' or natural-leaning formulas.
- It is biodegradable and generally considered environmentally friendly.
Common questions
What is Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate in beauty products?
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water mix together in your skincare products. It is made from glycerin (a natural humectant) and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil). Because it is derived from plant sources and has a low irritation potential, it is often used in formulas for sensitive skin. It also leaves a soft, non-greasy feel on the skin.
What does Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents your lotion or cream from separating and gives it a smooth, spreadable texture. It also deposits a thin, conditioning film on the skin that helps retain moisture.
Is Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate safe for most people?
Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Polyglyceryl-5 Pentamyristate?
Those with very dry skin may need a richer emulsifier blend for added moisture
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.