Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

Good

Emollient

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate at a glance

  • Assists skin in trapping moisture, allowing for a smooth, plump appearance
  • Enhances and thickens a formula’s texture
  • Used in cosmetics in amounts ranging from .06% to 50%
  • CIR Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics and skin care products

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate description

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is the tetraester of pentaerythritol, an organic polyol (a complex alcohol, such as the sugar mannitol), and 2-ethylhexanoic acid that functions as a moisturizing, binding and texture-enhancing skin care ingredient. It assists skin in trapping moisture, allowing for balanced hydration. Beyond skin benefits, this ingredient helps to create an even, desirable formula texture. It’s often used in cosmetics as well as skin care products due to the light, “wet” feel it leaves on skin in amounts ranging from 0.06% to 50%. As a raw material it’s a colorless, oil-soluble liquid. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate safe for use in cosmetics.

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate references

  • ULProspector, Accessed November 2022, Webpage
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 99S-112S

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.