emulsifiersStandard

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

emulsifiersurfactantemollient
CAS Number:84861-79-0

INCI Name

Potassium Cetyl Phos...

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

7/10

Category

emulsifiers

What It Does

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an anionic phosphate ester derived from cetyl alcohol (C16) and phosphoric acid, neutralized with potassium hydroxide. This mild emulsifier is particularly valued in natural and organic cosmetics for creating stable oil-in-water emulsions with a light, elegant skin feel, while also providing secondary conditioning benefits. Formulators choose it for its ability to produce creams and lotions with excellent spreadability and a non-greasy after-feel, along with its compatibility with sensitive skin formulations and acceptance in natural cosmetic certifications.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures
Creates elegant cream textures
Enables layered formulations
Improves ingredient distribution

Technical Properties

HLB Value

10

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance

pH Range

6.0-8.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

anionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

thickening

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

nonionic surfactantsnonionic emulsifiersfatty alcoholsplant oilsmost emollientshumectantsanionic surfactants

Avoid Combining

cationic surfactantscationic polymerslow pH systems below 5.0high concentrations of electrolytes
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

7/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

mixed

Feedstock

cetyl alcohol (plant-derived or synthetic) and phosphoric acid

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