Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate

INCI: Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate | Function: Emollient, Skin Conditioning | Type: Synthetic Ester Blend

What Is Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate?

Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate is a multi-component ester blend that combines long-chain (stearate, C18), medium-chain (caprate, C10), short-chain (caprylate, C8), and dicarboxylic (adipate) acid esters of pentaerythritol. This complex blend is engineered to deliver an optimized sensory profile: the stearate provides body, the caprate/caprylate provides spreadability, and the adipate adds flexibility and a unique wet feel. It is used in premium creams and lotions.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Optimized sensory profile — engineered blend for best feel
+ Good body without greasiness — balanced chain lengths
+ Enhanced spreadability — short/medium chains improve glide
+ Flexible film — adipate component adds plasticity

Pros

+ Engineered for specific sensory characteristics
+ Balanced feel: not too light, not too heavy
+ Good for premium and luxury skincare textures
+ Versatile across face and body applications

Cons

− Fully synthetic multi-component ester
− Complex manufacturing process
− Higher cost than simpler single-acid esters
− Limited publicly available research

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5
Comedogenic Rating	1/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Premium face cream	1 - 5%
Serum	0.5 - 3%
Body lotion	1 - 5%

References

CosIng (2025) — Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
SpecialChem — Multi-component esters. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/
Personal Care Products Council — INCI Dictionary

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