Decaglycerin

Decaglycerin (CAS 9041-07-0), also known as Polyglycerin-10, is a polyol produced by condensing ten glycerol units into a single hydrophilic chain. It functions as an emulsifier, humectant, and solubilizer across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In food production, it is used as an emulsifier in fat-based systems such as margarine, chocolate coatings, and bakery shortenings. It improves texture and fat dispersion stability in these applications.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into moisturizing creams, serums, and cleansers as a humectant that draws and retains moisture in the skin matrix. Its high water solubility and low irritation profile make it a preferred carrier. It is often used for active ingredients in topical pharmaceutical preparations and dermocosmetic products. In surfactant-based systems, it acts as a co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions without synthetic ethoxylated ingredients.

This is a relevant consideration for clean-label and natural-certified formulations. Decaglycerin is supplied as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid that is easy to handle in industrial processes. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly available, with some suppliers offering material conforming to FCC or JP standards. Bulk supply is standard in drums and IBC containers.