Novel polyglycerol oligoesters derived from reaction of polyglycerol with a mixture of mono and diacids and also combinations of these novel polyglycerol oligoesters with known polyol monoesters, particularly known polyglycerol monoesters are disclosed. The use of these novel polyglycerol oligoesters and combination of esters as emulsifiers, solubilisers and/or thickeners especially in personal care formulations is also disclosed.