PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel asymmetric polyol ester compound that can easily be synthesized under a mild reaction condition from a variety of carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid esters and that has a low melting point and is excellent in viscosity index, heat resistance and color number.SOLUTION: Provided are an ester compound represented by the following formula (1), and a lubricating-oil and cosmetic raw-material containing the same. In the formula, Rand Rare, each independently, an alkyl group, aralkyl group or aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. R, R, Rand Rare, each independently, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the combination of Rand Rand the combination of Rand Rare different.
