Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

INCI: Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate | Function: Emollient, Viscosity Controlling | Type: Synthetic Ester

What Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate?

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is a fully esterified pentaerythritol with 2-ethylhexanoic acid, a branched C8 acid. Confirmed by INCIDecoder as having “emollient, viscosity controlling” functions, it is a high-molecular-weight ester that leaves a non-oily, light, “wet” feel on the skin. The branched chain prevents close packing of molecules, resulting in a lower viscosity and enhanced spreadability compared to linear esters. It is popular in premium skincare, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Elegant emolliency — non-oily, light, wet skin feel
+ Excellent spreadability — branched structure enhances glide
+ Good solvent — dissolves UV filters and oil-soluble actives
+ Low viscosity — contributes to light textures in creams

Pros

+ Premium sensory profile confirmed by INCIDecoder
+ Branched structure prevents greasy feel
+ Excellent for facial moisturizers and sunscreens
+ Good compatibility with silicone and organic UV filters

Cons

− Purely synthetic branched ester
− No active skincare benefits (texture/sensory only)
− Higher cost than linear ester alternatives
− Limited biodegradability of branched structure

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, 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 %
Face cream	2 - 8%
Sunscreen	3 - 10%
Liquid foundation	5 - 20%

References

CosIng (2025) — Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate. CAS: 7299-99-2. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
INCIDecoder — Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate (emollient, viscosity controlling). https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/pentaerythrityl-tetraethylhexanoate
SpecialChem — Premium emollient esters. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/

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