Common Name(s): Dipentaerythrityl hexaester,dp hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexahydrogenated rosinate,polyol hexaester
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Creates a glossy, long-wearing film in lip products and color cosmetics.
Why It's Used: A hexafunctional ester of dipentaerythritol with mixed hydroxy/stearate/rosin fatty acids; used in high-performance lip products for exceptional gloss, longevity, and adhesion.
How It Works: Six ester groups on dipentaerythritol backbone create a highly crosslinked film former; hydroxystearate and stearate chains provide emolliency; hydrogenated rosinate adds gloss and adhesion.
Typically Found In: Lipsticks,lip glosses,long-wear foundations,color cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – film former
Secondary Functions: Emollient,adhesion promoting,gloss providing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Dipentaerythritol synthetic; fatty acids from plant/natural sources; rosin from pine trees.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated in color cosmetic applications.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Waxes,silicones,other polyol esters,color pigments
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dipentaerythrityl hexaesters are premier polyol ester film formers in lip cosmetics; the hexafunctionality creates a dense ester network with higher gloss and wear than tetrafunctional (pentaerythrityl) analogs; mixed ester types tune gloss and viscosity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary