Ingredient Dictionary

PENTAERYTHRITOL

Pentaerythritol is a tetrol that is neopentane in which one of the methyl hydrogens of all four methyl groups are replaced by hydroxy groups.

Definition

Pentaerythritol is a tetrol that is neopentane in which one of the methyl hydrogens of all four methyl groups are replaced by hydroxy groups. It is a chemical intermediate used in the production of explosives, plastics, paints, appliances, and cosmetics. It has a role as a laxative and a flame retardant. It is a primary alcohol and a tetrol. It derives from a hydride of a neopentane.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII SU420W1S6N · registered name PENTAERYTHRITOL · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Draws in and holds moistureHUMECTANTKeeps skin in good condition (CosIng catch-all)SKIN CONDITIONING

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name ペンタエリスリトール: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機化合物である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

PENTAERYTHRITOLINCI1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-SynonymペンタエリスリトールJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 115-77-5
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 204-104-9
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID2026943
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID806943

IUPAC: 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
Molecular formula: C5H12O4
Molecular weight: 136.147 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Pentaerythritol is an odorless white solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999) · Liquid, CBI, Large Crystals, Other Solid, Dry Powder
Odour: Odorless
Boiling point: Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024) · Sublimes
Melting point: 502 °F (USCG, 1999) · 258 °C
Solubility: 6 % at 59 °F (NIOSH, 2024) · Insoluble in ethyl ether, benzene
Density: 1.39 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.399 at 25 °C/4 °C
Stability: Stable in air
Dissociation constant: pKa = 14.10
Colour: white
Melting/freezing point: 532 K
Initial boiling point and range: 642 K(101.3 kPa)
Flammability (solid, gas): not flammable
Vapour pressure: 0 ㎩ (20℃)
Water solubility: 62 g/ℓ (20℃, pH: 5.4)
Vapour density: 1.396 g/㎤ (25℃)
Relative density: 1.37
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -1.7 (log Pow, 23℃)
Auto-ignition temperature: &amp, gt, 400 ℃
Decomposition temperature: -8.73
Molecular weight: 136.15

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 25 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Processing aids not otherwise specified6
Intermediate4
Lubricating agent2
Flame retardant2
Solvent2
Flow promoter1
Photosensitive agent1
Viscosity modifier1

6 other uses

Humectant1
Softener and conditioner1
Corrosion inhibitor1
Fire extinguishing agent1
Abrasive1
Monomers1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

2 skin studies and 1 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low2

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 3 studies

Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA) · Screening · according to OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay) July 2010
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · other guideline: OECO Guideline for Testing of Chemicals. OECO, ISBN-92-64-12221-4 (1981) equivalent or similar to other guideline: Draize, J.H. In appraisal of the Safety of Chemicals in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 46-59, Association of Food and Drug Officials of the United States, Topeka, Kansas 1995 equivalent or similar to other guideline: Draize, J.H., Woodward, G. and H.O. Calvery, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap., 82, 377-390 (1944) equivalent or similar to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) October 2012 according to