The invention relates to mixed esters, the use thereof in cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations, and to cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations containing mixed esters. Ester mixtures with a melting range of between -25°C and +70°C are particularly suitable for use as a Vaseline substitute, the melting range spanning at least 30 temperature degrees and the maximum melting range being 35 ±10°C. Said ester mixtures can be obtained, for example, by means of condensation reaction of: a) 25 to 90% by weight of unbranched fatty alcohols with a chain length of 12 to 18 carbon atoms, b) 5 to 50% by weight of isostearyl alcohol, c) 0 to 35% by weight of a fatty alcohol with a chain length of 20 and/or 22 carbon atoms and, d) 0 to 25% by weight of a fatty alcohol with 8 and/or 10 carbon atoms.
