EWG Safety Score
What Is Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate?
Dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate offers various formulary functions in skin care products, including acting as an emulsifying agent and viscosity adjuster. It may also lend skin conditioning qualities.\n\nDipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate is made from plants and synthetic components. It’s considered a “supporting” ingredient—not the star of the show but a contributor to the overall look and feel of cosmetic formulas. It can also be used part of an emollient blend (dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate) found in creams, lipsticks, hair conditioners, balms, gels, and other cosmetic products. This blend is touted as an alternative to wool-derived lanolin.\n\nThere isn’t much independent research on this ingredient, but as it stands, there are no known concerns about its safety or irritancy potential when used in cosmetics in amounts less than 10%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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PubChem.com, Accessed September 2022, ePublication PubChem.com, 2022
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UL Prospector (supplier info), Accessed September 2022, ePublication UL Prospector (supplier info), 2022
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Handbook of Formulating Dermal Applications, 2017, page 527 Handbook of Formulating Dermal Applications, 2017
From the Clinic
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Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate is a variant of Cholesterol, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Replenishes skin by supporting moisture balance Helps reinforce and strengthen skin’s barrier
Related Ingredients
Cholesterol
Replenishes skin by supporting moisture balance Helps reinforce and strengthen skin’s barrier
Lanolin
Water-repellant wax from sheep's wool | Used as an emollient in cosmetics
Dimethiconol Kokum Butterate
A silicone-oil hybrid that conditions skin while providing a smooth, non-greasy feel
Dimethylaminoethanol Tartrate
A skin-conditioning agent with theoretical firming potential, though evidence remains limited
Dioctyldodecyl Dodecanedioate
A synthetic ester that conditions and smooths skin and hair while reducing static
Dipentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
A lightweight emollient that conditions and softens the skin barrier
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