Common Name(s): Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate,polyoxyethylene-150 pentaerythritol tetrastearate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Creates a pearly, opaque look in liquid cleansers and conditioners while helping oil and water blend.

Why It's Used: Used as an opacifier and emulsifier in shampoos and conditioners where the pearlescent effect is desired alongside emulsification.

How It Works: 150 eo units on pentaerythritol tetrastearate give high hlb (~17–18) and strong water solubility; cooling creates microcrystalline structure providing opacity/pearling effect; stearate chains provide skin conditioning.

Typically Found In: Pearlescent shampoos,opaque conditioners,luxury cleansers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Opacifying,skin conditioning,thickening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Stearic acid from palm/soy; pentaerythritol synthetic; eo from petrochemical.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Peg-based emulsifiers,opacifiers,pearling agents

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pentaerythritol tetrastearate peg-150 combines the high molecular weight and branched ester structure of a tetrafunctional stearate ester with very high eo count; the combination of large lipophilic core and peg-150 shell creates a unique amphiphile that crystallizes on cooling for pearling effect.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary