Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate (inci)

Pentaerythrityl refers to the tetravalent alcohol pentaerythritol (also called pentaerythritol), which is quadruple-esterified with isostearic acid. The prefix "penta" refers to the 5 carbon atoms of the molecule. Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate (isooctadecanoic acid) is used in cosmetic formulations. The tetraester acts as an emollient (makes the skin smooth and supple), emulsifier (surface-active substance which is used in cosmetic products as an auxiliary agent to combine 2 immiscible liquids - e.g. oil and water - into one emulsion), surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of the products during application).