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Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

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Catalog Number CI-SC-0237
Product Name Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
CAS 19035-79-1
Structure
Description Acts as solid, anionic oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier. It offers high affinity to the skin.
Appearance White to beige powder
Application Emulsions for skin and hair care products
Storage Store light-protected at a cool and dry place
HS Code 3402130000
INCI Potassium cetyl phosphate
Uses Recommended use level 1-5%. For external use only.
Product Overview

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, a water-soluble white powder with a melting point of 68°C, serves as an effective anionic emulsifier in oil-in-water formulations, closely mimicking the natural phospholipids found in human skin. With its high physical and chemical stability, this potassium salt is compatible with both polar and non-polar oils, offering versatility across a broad pH range of 4 to 9. It is often utilized as a co-emulsifier alongside low HLB nonionics and is renowned for being non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin applications. In cosmetic and dermatological formulations, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate enhances lipid barrier function, reduces transdermal water loss, and improves skin elasticity. Commonly found in skin, hair, and sun care products, it replaces TEA-stearate and augments the shear, heat, and freeze-thaw stability of formulations. Additionally, it contributes to a desirable skin texture and feel, supporting water resistance and an even distribution of UV filters, thereby enhancing sun protection efficacy. Its role as a primary emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer ensures small particle sizes for optimal stability, sensory properties, and ease of application.

Custom Q&A

What is Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, and what are its main characteristics?

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of cetyl phosphate or cetyl alcohol phosphoric acid ester. It appears as a water-soluble white powder with a melting point of 68°C. This compound functions primarily as an anionic, oil-in-water emulsifier and is structurally analogous to the natural phospholipids found in human skin.

How does Potassium Cetyl Phosphate benefit skin formulations?

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is known for its high physical and chemical stability, making it a valuable emulsifier in a wide pH range (4-9). Its mildness, compatibility with skin, and ability to enhance the lipid barrier make it beneficial in limiting transdermal water loss and improving skin elasticity. It is also completely non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin products.

In which type of products is Potassium Cetyl Phosphate typically used?

This ingredient is used extensively in skin, hair, and sun care products. Due to its ability to improve water resistance and enhance the distribution of UV filters, it is particularly ideal for sun-care formulations. It also contributes to the shear, heat, and freeze-thaw stability of these products.

What are the advantages of using Potassium Cetyl Phosphate in emulsions?

Emulsions containing Potassium Cetyl Phosphate exhibit small particle sizes, which enhance stability and provide a pleasant skin feel and easy, uniform distribution. It often serves as a primary emulsifier at low concentrations and also acts as an emulsion stabilizer, enhancing the sensory properties of both anionic and non-ionic emulsions.

How does Potassium Cetyl Phosphate compare to other emulsifiers like TEA-stearate?

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate can replace TEA-stearate in many formulations. It is preferred for its non-irritating properties and compatibility with a broader range of oil types, both polar and non-polar. It offers the additional benefits of a vibrant texture and feel to the skin and improved environmental stability.

Is Potassium Cetyl Phosphate suitable for sensitive skin formulations?

Yes, due to its similarity to natural phospholipids like lecithins and cephalins, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is gentle on the skin and highly recommended for sensitive skin formulations. Its mild action and non-irritating nature make it an optimal choice for products targeting this demographic.

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