Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is a versatile polymeric ingredient primarily utilized for its exceptional thickening and emulsifying capabilities in aqueous cosmetic formulations. Beyond its textural benefits, it also acts as a counter-irritant and provides skin conditioning by forming a protective barrier.

Summary

Emulsifying Viscosity increasing Suspending agent Counter-irritant Skin conditioning

Science

Mechanism of Action

This polymer functions by increasing the viscosity of aqueous systems, effectively acting as a thickener. It also stabilizes oil and water components as an emulsifier, enabling the creation of stable emulsions. Additionally, it serves as a suspending agent, actively reduces the irritation potential of common surfactants, and offers conditioning benefits by forming a film on the skin to minimize moisture loss.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–2%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies demonstrate its efficiency as a thickener, even in challenging formulations, often achieving desired viscosity at concentrations 40% lower than conventional thickeners, typically between 0.5% and 2%.
  2. 02 Human repeated insult patch tests, utilizing concentrations up to 25% (aqueous) and undiluted, confirmed the ingredient to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
  3. 03 In vitro skin irritation tests using 10% and 25% aqueous solutions further classified it as non-irritating.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Research data does not indicate that PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is a commonly dusted ingredient or provide any specific dusting thresholds.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibits robust stability, tolerating both electrolytes and salts without requiring neutralization. Its low melting point of 45°C makes it suitable for integration into cold process formulations.

Conflicts

  • To ensure product safety and integrity, it is crucial to avoid sourcing low-purity variations that may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide, which are recognized as potential carcinogens.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
1.8%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is safe in current cosmetic uses and concentrations. Due to its substantial molecular size, significant skin penetration is not anticipated. It is also recognized as an indirect food additive for food packaging. Manufacturing specifications mandate stringent limits for impurities: ethylene oxide at ≤1 ppm and 1,4-dioxane at ≤5 ppm. The maximum concentration specified for leave-on products is 1.8%, while for rinse-off products it is 5%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is a highly valuable multi-functional ingredient, offering efficient thickening and emulsification alongside irritation reduction and conditioning benefits, making it suitable and safe for a wide array of skin types and product categories.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…