INCI page

PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE

Last update on Dec 2, 2025

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is a potent thickening agent used in cosmetics to give products a rich, creamy texture - without any heaviness or greasiness. It also blends oil and water-based ingredients to stabilize formulations and prevent separation over time. Moreover, it has some conditioning benefits that give the skin and hair a moist, nourished appearance. PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate can be commonly found in cleansers, body washes, moisturizers, serums, shampoos, and conditioners. PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is safe for use as its large molecule size does not penetrate the skin, reducing the risk of any side effects. However, it is important to source a high-purity ingredient, as it may contain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane - a potential carcinogen.

CAS Number: 130249-48-8Chem/IUPAC Name: 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, ethoxylated, tetraoctadecanoates (150 mol EO average molar ratio)EINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 77719

Products with PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE

See all products

With samples available

Versathix™

by Croda

INCI: PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE | PPG-2 HYDROXYETHYL COCAMIDE | AQUA

Sustainable option

See the product

iThick PTS150L

by BIOALKEMIA

INCI: PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE | PROPYLENE GLYCOL | AQUA

See the product

Crothix Liquid

by The Herbarie

INCI: PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE | PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES | AQUA

See the product

What is PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE used for?

Thickener - Even at low concentrations, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate significantly increases the viscosity of formulations, giving them a rich, creamy thickness. It keeps the products lightweight and does not make them feel heavy or greasy.
Emulsifier - PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate helps mix oil and water in a formulation, making it useful for moisturizers, cleansers, shampoos, and conditioners. It also prevents the separation of products into different layers over time.
Conditioner - Although not its primary function, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate can provide conditioning benefits to skin and hair, making them appear softer and healthier.

Origin

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is made using a two-step chemical process. First, pentaerythritol is reacted with stearic acid at high temperatures. The resulting Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate then undergoes ethoxylation, where around 150 units of ethylene oxide are added to the compound - increasing its hydrophilicity. The final ingredient, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, appears as a white, waxy solid in its raw form.

What does PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE do in a formulation?

EMULSIFYING|

SKIN CONDITIONING|

EMULSION STABILISING|

MOISTURISING

Safety Profile

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is safe for use in cosmetics within standard concentrations. It has a large molecular size that does not penetrate the skin, reducing the risks of adverse effects. However, good quality PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate should be used; if not properly purified, it may retain trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane, which is a potential carcinogen. PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is compatible with most skin types; however, patch tests must be performed to test for individual safety.