Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/ tetracaprate is a chemical compound, Pentaerythrityl tetraester obtained from a reaction with acids (acid anhydrides or acid chlorides) or from a biocatalytic process of caprylic and capric acids.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Pentaerythrityl indicates the presence of the compound pentaerythritol, which has four alcohol groups.
• Tetracaprylate - "Tetra" suggests that there are four ester groups attached to the pentaerythritol. "Caprylate" indicates that these esters are derived from caprylic acid.
• Tetracaprate - Similar to tetracaprylate, but in this case, the esters are derived from capric acid.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate is an ester derived from pentaerythritol and caprylic acid. It is a fatty acid ester with emollient properties, helping to moisturize and soften the skin.
• Pentaerythrityl tetracaprate is also an ester derived from pentaerythritol, but with capric acid. Like pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate, it functions as an emollient, providing hydration and smoothness to the skin.

Industrial chemical synthesis step-by-step:

• Esterification - Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate is synthesized by reacting pentaerythritol with caprylic acid. Similarly, pentaerythrityl tetracaprate is produced by reacting pentaerythritol with capric acid. These reactions involve the combination of the alcohol group in pentaerythritol with the carboxylic acid group in caprylic acid or capric acid, resulting in the formation of esters.
• Purification - The crude product obtained from the esterification reaction is purified to remove any impurities or by-products. Purification may involve processes such as filtration, distillation, or recrystallization.
• Quality Control - The purified pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate undergoes quality control tests to ensure its purity, stability, and compliance with industry standards.
• Formulation - Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate is incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care formulations, including creams, lotions, and serums. It acts as an emollient, improving the texture and feel of the product on the skin, while providing moisturizing and conditioning benefits.

It appears as a transparent liquid 

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent - Occlusive. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing flaking and restoring elasticity. It has a strong lipophilic character and is identified as an occlusive ingredient; it is generally composed of oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce trans epidermal water loss.

Viscosity Enhancing Agent - non acqueous. Since viscosity is important for increasing the chemical and physical stability of the product, Viscosity Enhancing Agent non acqueous is an important dosage factor in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. Increasing viscosity makes formulations less sedimentary and more homogeneously thickened.

• Molecular Formula  C₂₃H₄₈O₈ 
• Molecular Weight    452.6 g/mol
• CAS  68441-68-9
• UNII    832C4KF14X
• EC Number 270-472-2

Synonyms:

• Pentaerythritol, caprylate caprate tetraester