Pentaerythrityl Trioleate is a tri-ester of pentaerythritol with three oleic acid chains, leaving one hydroxyl group free. This partial esterification gives it mild emulsifying properties in addition to emollience. The free OH group adds some water dispersibility compared to fully esterified tetra-oleate.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Dual emollient and mild emulsifier functionality
+ Good spreadability and slip
+ Free hydroxyl group adds water compatibility
+ Skin conditioning via oleic acid chains
Pros
+ Multi-functional — emollient + emulsifier
+ Better water compatibility than tetra-esters
+ Good for W/O emulsions
Cons
− Unsaturated — prone to oxidation
− Less stable than fully saturated esters
− Can feel greasy for facial use
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5
Comedogenic Rating
2/5
EWG Score
2/10
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 %
W/O cream
3 - 10%
Body lotion
2 - 8%
Cleansing oil
5 - 20%
References
CIR — Safety Assessment of pentaerythrityl esters. PMID: 25850168
EU CosIng Database — Listed as skin conditioning/emollient.