Common Name(s): Pentaerythrityl stearate,pentaerythrityl stearate,pentaerythrityl ester,tetrafunctional polyol emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides characteristic structured emolliency from the tetrafunctional ester architecture with the pentaerythrityl backbone's quaternary carbon centre providing exceptional oxidative stability — the neopentyl architecture sterically protecting ester bonds from hydrolysis and oxidation.
Why It's Used: Pentaerythrityl stearate is selected for the pentaerythrityl skeleton's oxidative stability combined with fatty acid emolliency — the quaternary carbon centre prevents beta-hydrogen elimination, making pentaerythrityl esters among the most stable emollients in demanding formulation environments.
How It Works: Pentaerythrityl quaternary carbon: no beta-h → elimination impossible → ester bond stability; fatty acid chains → characteristic structured emolliency from the tetrafunctional ester architecture; four ester positions → structured branched molecular architecture.
Typically Found In: Premium emollient,long-wear formulas,high-temperature stable
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pentaerythrityl esters are the standard for high-temperature-stable emollients — the quaternary carbon architecture provides oxidation resistance at processing temperatures where conventional esters degrade.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,pentaerythrityl stearate pentaerythrityl ester emollient review