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Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams

Formula IngredientEmollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

INCI: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate is an ester derived from pentaerythritol and isostearic acid, used primarily as an emollient and emulsifying agent in cosmetics. It forms a lightweight, non-greasy film on the skin that imparts a rich, cushiony texture and enhances gloss without leaving a sticky residue. It is widely used in lip care and colour cosmetics for its water-resistance and long-wearing properties.

Category

Emollient

Irritation Risk

Low

Skin Types

all skin types, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, lip care formulations

What does this do in a formula?

emolliency, skin conditioning, film-forming, water resistance, texture enhancement, gloss

Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate safe? Key considerations

Can Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate cause irritation?

Low Risk

Irritancy rating of 0 (INCIDecoder/CosIng). No Annex II (banned) or Annex III (restricted) classification in the EU CosIng database. Generally well tolerated across skin types.

Does Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate increase sun sensitivity?

No Risk

Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate is not a photosensitising ingredient. No increased sun sensitivity associated with its use.

Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate safe during pregnancy?

MANUAL REVIEW: no specific pregnancy data found across sources; likely low risk given inert ester structure, but consult a healthcare provider

No pregnancy-specific safety data found in INCIDecoder or EWG sources. As a large-molecular-weight ester with minimal systemic absorption, it is generally considered low concern, but no formal classification is available.

How does Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate work?

Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate is an ester derived from pentaerythritol and isostearic acid, used primarily as an emollient and emulsifying agent in cosmetics. It forms a lightweight, non-greasy film on the skin that imparts a rich, cushiony texture and enhances gloss without leaving a sticky residue. It is widely used in lip care and colour cosmetics for its water-resistance and long-wearing properties.

Individuals with MANUAL REVIEW: no widely documented contraindications; those with known isostearic acid sensitivity should patch test should review the considerations above before use.

Which products contain Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate?

Shop products that contain Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate