Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate (CAS 62125-22-8) is the pentaerythritol tetraester of isostearic acid — a heavy, branched emollient ester built from a four-arm pentaerythritol core capped with four branched C18 isostearate chains. That architecture is the whole point. The high molecular weight (formula C77H148O8) keeps the ester at the surface rather than absorbing in, so it delivers a rich, cushiony emollience with real gloss and slip. The branched isostearate chains keep it a pourable liquid where a straight-chain stearate would set up waxy, and they resist oxidation far better than unsaturated naturals. Formulators reach for it when they want pigment-wetting power, long-wearing gloss, and a dry-oil cushion without a greasy drag.

Applications by Sector

Color Cosmetics

This is where the ester earns its keep. In lipstick and lip gloss it carries a high level of gloss and excellent substantivity, and its strong pigment-wetting behavior disperses inorganic pigments and pearls evenly — cleaner color payoff, fewer agglomerates, and structure that holds. Because the molecule is large and low-migration, it sits on the lip and resists bleed and feathering, which supports water-resistant, long-wearing claims. In foundations and pressed or loose powders it doubles as a binder and dispersion medium, wetting the pigment phase so shade stays true from batch to batch.

Skin Care

As a skin-conditioning emollient it forms a lightweight occlusive film that helps slow transepidermal water loss while reading as a dry-oil cushion rather than a heavy grease. The cushiony cling comes straight from the high MW; the dry, non-tacky finish comes from the branching. It anchors anhydrous balms, sticks, and rich creams where you want a luxe slip that lingers.

Sun Care

In sunscreens it works as both an emollient and a spreading aid, helping disperse UV filters — especially inorganic TiO2 and ZnO — and lay down an even film. Better filter dispersion supports more uniform coverage, and its water-repellent character pairs naturally with water-resistant SPF systems. (Performance claims belong to your finished-formula testing, not to the raw material.)

Pigment-Wetting & Dispersion Aid

Across all of the above, its core utility is wetting and dispersing solids. The branched ester surrounds pigment particles and reduces agglomeration, which improves color development, gloss, and rheology in any pigmented anhydrous system — lip, eye, cheek, or nail.

Forms & Grade

Supplied as a cosmetic-grade liquid emollient ester for personal-care manufacturing. INCI: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate. Confirm exact specification — color, acid value, saponification value, viscosity — against the lot Certificate of Analysis for your formulation tolerances.

Handling

Handle as a fatty-acid ester for industrial use. The governing Safety Data Sheet supplied with each lot controls storage, handling, PPE, and disposal — follow it. No medical, drug, or efficacy claims are made for the raw material; performance is a property of your finished formulation and its own testing.

Bulk Sourcing

RawSource sources Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate in bulk — drums, IBCs, and totes — for cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers on an RFQ basis. Send your target volume, ship-to, and required specification and we will return a current quote with CoA and SDS. Request a bulk quote.