Pentaerythritol tetrakis

AKA: Pentek, Tetramethylolmethane, Auxinutril, Maxinutril

Synthetic

Humectant

Not Clean

Pentaerythritol tetrakis is a cosmetic ingredient.

Formula

C5H12O4

Mol. Weight

136.15

CAS #

115-77-5

Form

Liquid

Functions

Humectant

A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.

Draws In Moisture

Conditions Skin

Antioxidant Protection

Draws moisture to skin

Traditional Use

A synthetic polymer ester developed in mid-20th century industrial chemistry. Adopted in cosmetics as a thickener, film-former, and emollient without historical precedent in traditional skincare.

EWG

CIR

Insufficient

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USAunder review

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR