Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
- Role
- Protects the oils and waxes in a formula from oxidation.
- Catalog formulas
- 4
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A large antioxidant molecule that slows oxidative spoilage of the fatty phase. According to the CIR, it is used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.8%.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It appears in oil- and wax-based sticks, often together with BHT. It keeps the product stable during storage and has no effect on sweat.
In 2018 the CIR found it safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Because of its high molecular weight, skin penetration is unlikely.
The CIR considered negative human repeat-insult patch tests at 0.5% sufficient to assess irritation and sensitization across the full range of use concentrations.
It is not the same as BHT: both are antioxidants, but this is a much larger molecule with its own assessment. Nor is it a pentaerythrityl tetraester used as an emollient (for example, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate).
Products containing Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CIR: Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (2018) Supports: function, safety assessment, irritation and sensitisation