Common Name(s): Pentaerythrityl distearate,pentaerythritol distearate,neopentyl glycol diester (analogous)

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Softens and conditions skin while adding a smooth, non-greasy texture to formulas.

Why It's Used: A trifunctional stearate diester providing waxy emolliency with two free oh groups enabling partial hydrophilicity; used in lipsticks, anhydrous balms, and rich creams.

How It Works: Two c18 stearate chains provide lipophilic emolliency; two remaining oh groups on pentaerythritol add partial polarity enabling some water-binding; the overall molecule has intermediate polarity.

Typically Found In: Lipsticks,anhydrous balms,rich creams,color cosmetics,skin conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,viscosity controlling,texture modification

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Pentaerythritol synthetic; stearic acid from palm/soy; semi-natural ester.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. not associated with irritation.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

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

Works Well With: Waxes,other emollients,fatty alcohols,natural oils

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pentaerythrityl esters (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-) form a family of emollients with tunable polarity; the distearate provides intermediate polarity between the very lipophilic tetrastearate and the more polar monostearate; used in premium cosmetics for its low crystallinity and smooth application.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary