Cleansing Oil Formulation for Sensitive Skin with Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate and Oilsify 30

Question

Can I make an easy face cleansing oil with Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate and using other oils like Jojoba and Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil? If so, what %'s of each would be advisable to use?

I bought Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate from MSR a while ago and haven't used yet so would like to find a use for this product. I also have many other carrier oils and I have Oilsify 30 (Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate) in my stock.

I have sensitive skin. Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes, you can certainly create an effective and gentle face cleansing oil using the ingredients you have. Oilsify 30 (Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate) is an excellent primary emulsifier for this purpose as it is known for being non-irritating and is frequently used in products designed for sensitive skin.

While Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate is often used as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, in a cleansing oil formula, it acts as a secondary emulsifier and emollient. It helps the oil spread easily and contributes to the "milky" emulsification when you rinse with water.

Recommended Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil Formula

This formula is designed to be gentle, effective at removing makeup/sunscreen, and easy to rinse off.

Ingredient	Percentage (%)	Function
Jojoba Oil	25.0%	Skin-identical emollient, dissolves sebum
Tea (Camellia oleifera) Seed Oil	25.0%	Nourishing, high in antioxidants
Other Carrier Oil (e.g., Sunflower Oil)	34.5%	Lightweight base oil
Oilsify 30 (Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate)	12.0%	Primary emulsifier (rinsing agent)
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate	3.0%	Co-emulsifier and skin conditioner
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)	0.5%	Antioxidant (prevents oil rancidity)
Total	100.0%

Why these percentages?

Oilsify 30 (12%): This is the "sweet spot" for most cleansing oils. It provides enough power to turn the oil into a milk that rinses away cleanly without leaving a greasy film, yet remains gentle on sensitive skin.
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate (3%): Adding this at a low percentage improves the texture and ensures that the oil starts breaking down makeup immediately upon contact.
Jojoba & Camellia (50% total): These are premium oils. Jojoba is very stable and mimics natural skin oils, while Camellia is rich in oleic acid, making it very soothing for sensitive barriers.
Sunflower Oil: Using a lighter, refined carrier oil for the remainder of the formula ensures the final product isn't too thick or heavy on the face.

Mixing Instructions

Combine: In a clean beaker, combine all the oils (Jojoba, Camellia, and your chosen carrier oil).
Add Emulsifiers: Add the Oilsify 30 and Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate.
Stabilize: Add the Vitamin E.
Blend: Stir gently until the mixture is completely clear and uniform. No heat is required for this process.
Package: Transfer to a bottle with a pump or flip-top cap.

How to Use

Apply 2-3 pumps to dry hands and massage onto a dry face for 30-60 seconds to dissolve makeup and impurities.
Wet your hands with warm water and continue massaging; the oil will turn into a white milky liquid.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Note for Sensitive Skin: Since your skin is sensitive, always perform a patch test on a small area of your neck or inner arm before full facial use. Avoid adding fragrances or essential oils, as these are common triggers for sensitivity.