Hexaglycerol

Hexaglycerol (CAS 36675-34-0), also supplied under the designation PCB 06, is a polyglycerol produced by the condensation of six glycerol units. It functions as a humectant, emulsifier, and carrier across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing.

In food processing, hexaglycerol acts as a base for polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, where it enables emulsification in bakery fats, margarines, and confectionery coatings. This versatile ingredient helps stabilize complex mixtures.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into moisturizing creams and serums for its hygroscopic character. This supports water retention in the finished product and reduces the need for additional humectants in the formulation.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a solvent and carrier in topical and oral formulations. It is particularly useful where a high-boiling, water-miscible polyol is required for stability and delivery of active ingredients.

It also functions as a reactive intermediate in the synthesis of specialty surfactants and polyglycerol-based esters. These are used extensively for industrial and cosmetic applications requiring specific surface-active properties.

Hexaglycerol is typically supplied as a viscous liquid. It is available in food-grade and technical-grade specifications to meet the requirements of different regulated markets and specific industrial standards.

Buyers should confirm purity profiles and polyglycerol distribution data before purchase. The degree of polymerization can vary between production batches and suppliers, affecting the performance of the final product.