polyglyceryl esters
what it is
A small family of emulsifiers made by joining short chains of glycerin — four or six units — to plant-derived fatty acids. Ours are polyglyceryl-4 and polyglyceryl-6 esters; the exact INCI name varies by ester. They belong to the PEG-free class of emulsifiers, and are, in effect, glycerin and vegetable fat holding hands.
why we use it
Emulsifiers hold water and oil together, and a sunscreen carrying 25.00% mineral filter asks a great deal of them. Polyglyceryl esters do that job while being notably mild, and they suit high-mineral systems particularly well.
where you'll find it
In our mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), in the emulsifiers & stabilisers group (12.25% total). Per-ingredient percentages within the sunscreen groups are not yet published; the group totals are exact.
evidence
Functional — emulsion stability is verified through heat, freeze-thaw and time testing, not asserted in copy.
safety
A notably gentle, readily biodegradable class, chemically close to the polyglycerol esters used as food emulsifiers; no meaningful restrictions.