Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is a chemical compound, tetraester of pentaerythritol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics and skin care products, such as creams, lotions and makeup products. This ingredient is valued for its emollient properties that provide softness and hydration to the skin. It is also used to improve the spreading and application of cosmetic products.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Pentaerythrityl refers to pentaerythritol, a polyol organic compound. Pentaerythritol is known for its ability to act as a base for the formation of esters.
• Tetraethylhexanoate refers to tetraethylhexanoic acid, a fatty acid. In this context, it indicates that pentaerythritol has been esterified with tetraethylhexanoic acid.

Raw Materials and Their Functions

Pentaerythritol. A polyvalent alcohol used as the base for the production of pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate. It provides the basic structure of the compound.

Ethylhexanoic Acid. A fatty acid used to esterify pentaerythritol, imparting emollient and stabilizing properties to the compound.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

• Esterification of pentaerythritol with ethylhexanoic acid. During this reaction, ester bonds are formed between the pentaerythritol and the fatty acid.
• Reaction Control. The esterification reaction is monitored to ensure it occurs correctly and the final product has the desired properties.
• Purification. After the reaction, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
• Quality Control. The purified pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in cosmetic and skincare products, where it utilizes its properties as an emollient.

It appears as a white powder or colourless liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetic Raw Materials

Cosmetics

Binder, skin conditioning agent, occlusive agent, viscosity increasing agent, non-aqueous suitable for oil/water emulsions. Produces a moisturising effect and is, for this purpose, often accompanied by Cetyl ethylhexanoate and Hydrogenated polydecene. 

For more information:

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate studies

• Molecular Formula       C₃₇H₆₈O₈
• Molecular Weight          640.9
• Exact Mass    640.49100
• CAS  7299-99-2
• UNII    XJ7052W897
• EC Number   230-743-8
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID90864037
• IUPAC  [3-(2-ethylhexanoyloxy)-2,2-bis(2-ethylhexanoyloxymethyl)propyl] 2-ethylhexanoate
• InChl=1S/C37H68O8/c1-9-17-21-29(13-5)33(38)42-25-37(26-43-34(39)30(14-6)22-18-10-2,27-44-35(40)31(15-7)23-19-11-3)28-45-36(41)32(16-8)24-20-12-4/h29-32H,9-28H2,1-8H3  
• InChl Key      DRRMRHKHTQRWMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES

   CCCCC(CC)C(=O)OCC(COC(=O)C(CC)CCCC)(COC(=O)C(CC)CCCC)COC(=O)C(CC)CCCC

• SCHEMBL93763   
• RXCUI      1426406

Synonyms

• Pentaerithrol, tetrakis-(2-ethylhexanoate)
• Pentaerythrityl Mononitrate
• Pentaerythritol mononitrate
• [3-(2-ethylhexanoyloxy)-2,2-bis(2-ethylhexanoyloxymethyl)propyl] 2-ethylhexanoate
• pentaerythritol tetra-2-ethylhexanoic acid
• 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(nitrooxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
• 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol mononitrate

Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Kim, E., Nam, G. W., Kim, S., Lee, H., Moon, S., & Chang, I. (2007). Influence of polyol and oil concentration in cosmetic products on skin moisturization and skin surface roughness. Skin Research and Technology, 13(4), 417-424.

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the optimum combination of polyols and oils in moisturizing cosmetic products to improve the human skin moisturization and skin surface roughness. Polyols and oils are essential ingredients in skin care products, but it is still not understood how their concentrations affect their efficacy and sensory properties on human skin. We investigated the effect of polyol and oil concentration on skin properties by noninvasive methods.

O’LENICK, T. O. N. Y. Polyol esters in personal care formulations part 2. TERMINOLOGY, 1, 2.

Abstract. As the quest for natural, renewable, biodegradable and green products continue there has been increased interest in working with a variety of esters and triglycerides. Esters when applied to the skin, not only act as emollients but also provide an aesthetic effect which can be varied by structure. This article is the second of two that deal with the formulation properties of polyol esters based upon specific highly branched polyols namely; neopentyl glycol (2 OH groups), trimethylol propane (3 OH groups) and pentaerythritol (4 OH groups). These esters find their main use in industrial lubrication because not only are they effective lubricants, they are oxidatively stable and have a relatively low viscosity when one considers their molecular weight.

Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., ... & Andersen, F. A. (2015). Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmetics. International journal of toxicology, 34(2_suppl), 99S-112S.

Abstract. Benzoic acid (a metabolite of pentaerythrityl tetrabenzoate, pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate/benzoate, and pentaerythrityl tetrabehenate/benzoate/ethylhexanoate) was determined by the Panel to be safe for use in cosmetic formulations in the present practices of use and concentration at their meeting on September 26 to 27, 2011

Jang, S. I., Lee, S. M., Paik, B. R., Han, J., Kim, E. J., & Lee, H. K. (2017). A study on skin permeability and skin whitening effect of high pressure emulsification processed cosmetic. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, 43(3), 189-194.

Abstract. Skin has a strong barrier function to protect the body from external harmful factors. This strong barrier function of the skin makes for any effective substance difficult to permeate through the skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate skin permeability of the reduced particle size by non-invasive method. The particles were prepared by high-pressure emulsification. The niacinamide prepared in a high-pressure emulsification was absorbed 1.56 times higher than the control sample. In addition, it was found from the sixth layer of keratin that was removed by tape-stripping method. This was significantly deeper penetration. The whitening efficacy of the sample containing niacinamide was evaluated before and after 6 weeks of use. The skin color was significantly improved in both pigmented area and non-pigmented area. Through this study, it was possible to visually and quantitatively confirm the permeability confirm the permeability of the reduced particle sample into skin.

Jeong, C. B., Han, J. Y., Cho, J. C., Suh, K. D., & Nam, G. W. (2013). Analysis of electrical property changes of skin by oil‐in‐water emulsion components. International journal of cosmetic science, 35(4), 402-410.

Abstract. To provide answers to these questions, we investigated the moisturizing effect of widely used 41 components (four different classes) in a simple O/W emulsion using capacitance methods. 106 different single oils, and combinations of oil with oil, wax, humectants, and surfactant were formulated and tested.