Tetraglycerin is a glycerol-derived polyol commonly identified as Tetraglycerol or Polyglycerin-4. In cosmetic ingredient terminology, the standardized INCI name is POLYGLYCERIN-4.
Tetraglycerin belongs to the polyglycerol family and contains multiple glycerol-derived units connected through ether linkages. Its high number of hydroxyl groups gives it strong hydrophilic and water-binding characteristics, making it useful primarily as a humectant in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Tetraglycerin is used in formulations where moisture retention, hydration and texture modification are important. It can be considered for skincare, haircare and other personal-care applications.
The commonly referenced CAS Number is 56491-53-3, and cosmetic ingredient databases identify POLYGLYCERIN-4 as a humectant.
Tetraglycerin, also known as Tetraglycerol and Polyglycerin-4, is a member of the oligoglycerol/polyglycerol family.
The term "Polyglycerin-4" indicates a polyglycerol material associated with an average of four glycerin-derived units. The multiple hydroxyl groups in the structure provide strong affinity for water.
This characteristic makes Tetraglycerin useful as a moisture-support ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
Tetraglycerin should not be confused with tetraglycerides or polyglyceryl fatty-acid esters. Polyglyceryl-4 stearate, for example, is an ester derived from tetraglycerol and stearic acid and is chemically different from the parent Polyglycerin-4 ingredient.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Tetraglycerin |
| INCI Name | POLYGLYCERIN-4 |
| Chemical Name | Tetraglycerol |
| Synonyms | Polyglycerin-4, Polyglycerol-4, Tetraglycerol |
| CAS Number | 56491-53-3 |
| EC Number | 310-131-8 |
| Chemical Class | Polyglycerol / Oligoglycerol / Polyol |
| Physical State | Grade-dependent |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Humectant |
| Water Affinity | High |
| Main Application | Moisture and hydration support |
The EU cosmetic ingredient inventory identifies POLYGLYCERIN-4 as Tetraglycerol with CAS 56491-53-3 and the cosmetic function humectant.
Tetraglycerol is represented in PubChem as C₁₂H₃₂O₁₂ with a molecular weight of 368.38 g/mol for its specific tetraglycerol record.
Because commercial polyglycerol materials can contain structural and compositional variation, the current supplier specification and COA/TDS should be used for commercial-grade molecular characterization rather than assuming one generic molecular value.
Tetraglycerin is primarily used as a humectant.
Its multiple hydroxyl groups provide strong water affinity and allow it to support moisture retention in cosmetic formulations.
This makes it particularly relevant to hydration-focused skincare and personal-care products.
Tetraglycerin can support moisture management in cosmetic systems and contribute to formulations designed to maintain a hydrated skin feel.
It can be combined with other humectants, emollients and skin-conditioning ingredients depending on the formulation objective.
As a hydrophilic polyol, Tetraglycerin can contribute to the conditioning characteristics of cosmetic formulations.
Its effect on skin feel depends on concentration and the overall formulation composition.
Tetraglycerin can contribute to the physical characteristics of water-containing formulations through its polyol structure and moisture-binding properties.
It can be considered when formulators require an alternative glycerol-derived humectant.
Polyglycerol materials can influence formulation viscosity and sensory characteristics. The actual effect depends on grade, concentration, molecular distribution and the other ingredients present in the formulation.
Tetraglycerin can be incorporated into cosmetic hydration systems alongside conventional humectants and moisturizers.
Its multiple hydroxyl groups make it particularly suitable for formulations focused on water retention.
Tetraglycerin / Polyglycerin-4 can be considered for:
The primary cosmetic function officially associated with POLYGLYCERIN-4 is humectant.
Tetraglycerin is useful for skincare formulations where moisture retention and hydration support are important.
It can be incorporated into creams, lotions, serums, gels and other water-containing formulations.
Its polyol structure provides multiple hydroxyl groups capable of interacting with water, making it suitable for products intended to support a hydrated and comfortable skin feel.
Tetraglycerin can also be considered for hair-care formulations where moisture management is desired.
Potential applications include conditioners, hair masks, leave-in formulations and other hair-care products requiring a water-compatible polyol.
The appropriate concentration should be established through formulation testing and based on the properties of the selected grade.
Tetraglycerin can be incorporated into formulations alongside other humectants such as glycerin, Diglycerin, Propylene Glycol and other polyols.
The selection of the humectant system should consider:
When using Tetraglycerin / Polyglycerin-4, formulators should evaluate:
Because polyglycerol materials can vary in molecular distribution and commercial specification, the exact grade should be selected according to the intended cosmetic application.
Swapnroop supplies Tetraglycerin / Polyglycerin-4 for cosmetic and personal-care formulation requirements in India.
Tetraglycerin is a glycerol-derived polyol primarily used as a humectant. Its multiple hydroxyl groups provide strong water affinity, making it suitable for formulations focused on hydration and moisture retention.
For commercial procurement, manufacturers should confirm the required grade, composition, polymer distribution, purity, packaging and current batch specifications according to the intended application.
Tetraglycerin is a glycerol-derived polyol also known as Tetraglycerol or Polyglycerin-4. Its primary cosmetic function is humectancy.
The cosmetic INCI name is POLYGLYCERIN-4.
The commonly referenced CAS Number is 56491-53-3.
Tetraglycerin is primarily used as a humectant, helping cosmetic formulations retain and manage moisture.
Yes. Tetraglycerol is the chemical description associated with POLYGLYCERIN-4 in cosmetic ingredient databases.
No. Tetraglycerin/Tetraglycerol is a polyol, whereas tetraglyceride represents a different chemical structure.
Yes. Humectant is the primary cosmetic function listed for POLYGLYCERIN-4.
Yes. It can be considered for creams, lotions, serums, gels and other moisture-focused skincare formulations.
Yes. It can be considered for conditioners, hair masks and other formulations where moisture management is desired.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |