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Skincare Ingredient

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Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

In Skincare: Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is a fatty ester emollient with low irritation risk and no major safety concerns in typical cosmetic use, as supported by CIR style assessments for similar ester emollients. Limited safety data is available specific to this ingredient, but its structural similarity to well-assessed esters suggests a favorable safety profile.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate helps skin retain moisture, contributing to a smoother and plumper look.

  • 02

    This ingredient improves the texture of cosmetic formulations by enhancing their thickness.

  • 03

    Concentrations of pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate typically range from 0.06% to 50% in cosmetic and skincare products.

  • 04

    The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate and considers it safe for use in cosmetics and skincare.

Key Benefits

What Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is an ester that functions as a moisturizing and texture-enhancing ingredient in skincare. It helps to hydrate the skin by supporting moisture retention and contributes to a smooth, even formula texture in cosmetic formulations. This colorless, oil-soluble liquid is typically used at concentrations between 0.06% and 50%, and has been assessed as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
Classifications
Emollient
Texture Enhancer

Role of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Skin Softener

Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Thickness Regulator

Adjusts product thickness and flow properties

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.

Products

containing Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

1135 formulations
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream
Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream
Shiseido · moisturizer
Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Sleeping Mask
Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Sleeping Mask
innisfree · masks
Peptight™ Tightening Neck Serum Roller
Peptight™ Tightening Neck Serum Roller
StriVectin · serums-treatment

References

Scientific sources

[1]

ULProspector, Accessed November 2022, Webpage

[2]

International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 99S-112S

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate — common questions

What is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate in skincare?

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is a skincare ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations.

What does Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate do? / Functions of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate?

Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate? / Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is a fatty ester emollient with low irritation risk and no major safety concerns in typical cosmetic use, as supported by CIR style assessments for similar ester em

Is Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate in skincare?

Known considerations: Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is a fatty ester emollient with low irritation risk and no major safety concerns in typical cosmetic use, as supported by CIR style assessments for similar ester emollients. Limited safety data is available specific to this ingredient, but its structural similarity to well-assessed esters suggests a favorable safety profile.

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