Home / Encyclopedia / Cetyl Phosphate
Emollient

Cetyl Phosphate

Cetyl Phosphate — an anionic emulsifier and skin conditioner based on cetyl alcohol and phosphoric acid. It provides stable O/W emulsions with a delicate texture, used in sunscreens and day creams due to good compatibility with mineral UV filters.

anionic emulsifierO/W emulsionsun protectiondelicate texture
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Cetyl Phosphate (INCI: Cetyl Phosphate or Potassium Cetyl Phosphate) — mono- and diphosphate esters of cetyl alcohol (C16). Anionic nonionic emulsifier. HLB ~7-9 (O/W emulsifier). Physical properties: waxy solid or granules. Key properties: stabilization of O/W emulsions, especially with mineral UV filters (ZnO, TiO2) — does not aggregate filter particles; skin conditioner (cetyl group); thickener; well compatible with a wide pH range (4-8). Trade names: Amphisol K, Crodafos CES, Hostacerin DPPK.

Sunscreen products (physical and chemical SPF), lightweight day creams, products for oily skin, emulsion-based products where lightness is important.

Key Benefits

✦
Optimal emulsifier for sunscreen formulations
Cetyl phosphate is known as one of the best emulsifiers for mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide). Reason: the anionic nature of the phosphate stabilizes positively charged ZnO particles without their aggregation and loss of SPF effectiveness. Even distribution of UV filters → stable and uniform protection. Good compatibility with octinoxate, avobenzone, and other chemical filters. Stable emulsion without separation at various temperatures — critical for sunscreens.
◈
Light O/W texture and skin conditioning
Cetyl phosphate forms lightweight O/W emulsions without weight — ideal for day products and sunscreens where invisibility on the skin is important. Cetyl group: gentle emollient action, softening of the skin. Does not leave a greasy shine. Good tolerance on sensitive skin — milder than some anionic surfactants. pH stability: stable in pH 4-8. Thickener for increasing viscosity without gelling agents.
✧
Compatibility with active components and wide pH range
Cetyl phosphate does not react with most standard cosmetic actives. Compatible with: peptides, AHA, retinol (at the correct pH), silicones. Does not block the activity of UV filters. Thickening effect: increases the viscosity of the formulation. Combination with cetearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate: improves stability and texture. Commercially available as potassium salt (Amphisol K) — better solubility in water.

Suitable for

all skin typesoily and combination skinsensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ stabilization of mineral UV filters✓ light O/W emulsification✓ skin conditioning
Cetyl Phosphate: technical nuances

Cetyl phosphate vs potassium cetyl phosphate: potassium salt dissolves better in water and is easier to work with. Amphisol K = potassium cetyl phosphate. Recommended concentrations: 2-5%. Temperature of incorporation: above 70°C in the oil or water phase. INCI: Cetyl Phosphate or Potassium Cetyl Phosphate. pH of the finished product: 5-7 for emulsifier stability. Not suitable for very acidic formulations (pH < 4).

CategoryEmollients

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cetyl Phosphate do for skin?
Sunscreen products (physical and chemical SPF), lightweight day creams, products for oily skin, emulsion-based products where lightness is important.
Who should use Cetyl Phosphate?
Cetyl Phosphate is suitable for: all skin types, oily and combination skin, sensitive skin.
Are there any warnings about Cetyl Phosphate?
Cetyl phosphate vs potassium cetyl phosphate: potassium salt dissolves better in water and is easier to work with. Amphisol K = potassium cetyl phosphate. Recommended concentrations: 2-5%. Temperature of incorporation: above 70°C in the oil or water phase. INCI: Cetyl Phosphate o

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product