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Pentaerythrityl Distearate

What Pentaerythrityl Distearate is & what it does

Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an ester formed from pentaerythritol and stearic acid. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it acts as an emollient and texture enhancer, giving products a smooth, conditioned skin feel and helping to bind the formula together. A notable property is its waxy, thickening character, which can add body and stability to creams, sticks, and balms.

What does Pentaerythrityl Distearate do in skincare?

Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an ester used in skincare and sunscreen as an emollient and texture enhancer. It gives products a smooth, conditioned feel and helps add body and stability. Its waxy character makes it useful in creams, sticks, and balms.

Is Pentaerythrityl Distearate comedogenic?

There is limited specific comedogenicity data on Pentaerythrityl Distearate, so a definitive rating is not well established. It is a waxy ester used mainly for texture, and its impact depends on concentration and the full formula. If you are acne-prone, judging the finished product by how your skin responds is the most practical approach.

Is Pentaerythrityl Distearate natural or synthetic?

Pentaerythrityl Distearate is a synthetic ester, made by combining pentaerythritol with stearic acid. The stearic acid portion can be sourced from plant or animal fats, but the finished ingredient is chemically produced. It is therefore best described as a synthetic, often nature-derived material.

Sunscreens with Pentaerythrityl Distearate

We rate 50 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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