INCI page

PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE

Last update on Nov 6, 2025

PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a potent emulsifier and surfactant used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products. It helps mix oil and water evenly and prevents them from separating over time. Good for low viscosity emulsions, it improves the texture of the products, giving them a smooth, light, and non-greasy feel. As a surfactant, PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate reduces the surface tension between ingredients and allows them to spread uniformly upon application. Additionally, it helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate, a synthetic ingredient, is commonly found in creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, makeup removers, sunscreens, shampoos, and conditioners. It is safe for use and can be considered vegan but is not natural.

CAS Number: Chem/IUPAC Name: PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate EINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 78588

Products with PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE

See all products
With samples available

COVASCREEN® ZN

by Sensient Cosmetic Technologies

INCI: HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL HYDROXYSTEARATE | HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE | PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE | TRIMETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE | ZINC OXIDE

Crodafos™ SG

by Croda

INCI: PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE

PEL-PHOS™ SG

by Elé Corporation

INCI: PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE
  • Sustainable option

What is PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE used for?

  • Emulsifier - PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate allows the otherwise unmixable oil and water to blend well in a product and result in a stable, consistent product. It prevents ingredient separation or product breakdown in water-based formulations over time.
  • Surfactant - PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate reduces the surface tension between ingredients, enhancing product spreadability. This allows for the even distribution of actives on skin and hair.
  • Cleanser - It allows water to mix with oil and dirt present on the skin and scalp, helping them be rinsed off. For this reason, PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a common ingredient in cleansers and makeup removers.
  • Texture enhancer - PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate helps blend all ingredients in a formulation and gives the product a smooth and rich texture.

Origin

PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching about five units of propylene oxide and about 10 units of ethylene oxide to cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. This process, known as alkoxylation, turns the fatty alcohol into a water-friendly ingredient. Further, it is reacted with a phosphorus reagent to form PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate. It appears as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid in its raw form. The final ingredient is neutralized and purified to make it suitable for use in cosmetics.

What does PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE do in a formulation?

EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANT|
CLEANSING

Safety Profile

PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a mild ingredient, safe for daily use when formulated properly. Within recommended concentrations, it is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic. Additionally, it is designed to be gentler than sulphates or other harsh surfactants. PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is compatible and well-tolerated by most skin types. However, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test prior to full application. If the base ingredient (Cetyl Alcohol) is plant-derived, which it generally is, PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate is considered vegan, halal, and eco-friendly.

PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE alternatives

PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE technical profile

PropertyValues

Boiling Point

~100°C

pH

5.5 - 7.5

Solubility

Soluble in water

Viscosity

Moderate

Formulations with PPG-5-CETETH-10 PHOSPHATE

By Application

Conditioners & Detangling Products

1 formulations