Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is the stearic acid (C18) ester of pentaerythritol. The long saturated fatty acid chains create a high-melting-point solid that provides body, opacity, and rich emollience. Used as a thickener and opacifier in creams, sticks, and balms.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Provides body and structure to formulations
+ Rich, occlusive emollient for dry skin
+ Opacifying — creates creamy white appearance
+ High melting point — good for stick products
Pros
+ Excellent structuring agent for sticks and balms
+ Rich emollience for very dry skin
+ Heat stable
Cons
− Can feel heavy/waxy on skin
− Not suitable for lightweight products
− Fully synthetic
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
N/A
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5
Comedogenic Rating
2/5
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 %
Lip balm / Stick
5 - 20%
Rich night cream
2 - 8%
Body butter
3 - 10%
References
CIR — Safety Assessment of pentaerythrityl esters. PMID: 25850168
EU CosIng Database — Listed as skin conditioning/emollient.