Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a lightweight, silky emollient commonly used in UK lipsticks, lip glosses, foundations and creams. It gives products a smooth, non-greasy feel while helping to improve spreadability and long-wear performance. Shoppers will often find it listed in high-shine lip products and moisturising complexion formulas.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate functions as a skin-conditioning agent and viscosity-increasing agent. Its branched structure allows it to form a breathable, flexible film on the skin or lips that locks in moisture without feeling heavy or occlusive. It also acts as an excellent pigment dispersant, helping to evenly distribute colour in lipsticks and bases while giving formulas a luxurious, glide-on texture that resists feathering or settling into fine lines.
Key benefits
- Provides long-lasting hydration and softness
- Creates a smooth, silky application feel
- Improves pigment dispersion for even colour
- Enhances product spreadability and wear time
- Forms a flexible, non-greasy protective layer
- Gives lips and skin a healthy, glossy finish
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is produced by reacting pentaerythritol with isostearic acid, a fatty acid typically derived from vegetable oils such as coconut or palm. Although synthesised, its raw materials are plant-based.
Products with Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.
- Lottie London Lottie Lacquer Nail Polish 12ml Lottie London