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TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE

Last update on Oct 15, 2025

Triceteareth-4 Phosphate is primarily used in cosmetics to help oil and water mix smoothly in a formulation. It is a potent emulsifier and surfactant that keeps products stable over time. Moreover, it gives a rich yet light and non-greasy texture to formulations, making it valuable in products like moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens, makeup, and hair styling creams. Triceteareth-4 Phosphate is an oil-soluble, waxy solid that is compatible with a wide range of ingredients - making it highly versatile. It is safe for topical use if properly formulated, but poses a risk to the environment as it is not readily biodegradable. The chemical formula of Triceteareth-4 Phosphate is C₁₂H₂₉O₆P.

CAS Number: 119415-05-3Chem/IUPAC Name: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(C16-C18-alkyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (4 mol EO average molar ratio), phosphates (3:1)EINECS/ELINCS No: COSING REF No: 80304

Products with TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE

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Hostaphat® KW 340 D

by Clariant

INCI: TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE

Sustainable option

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Hostacerin® CG

by Clariant

INCI: TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE | CETYL ALCOHOL | STEARYL ALCOHOL | SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE | OLETH-10

Sustainable option

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HallBrite® EZ-FLO ZDX

by Hallstar

INCI: ZINC OXIDE | TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE | BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE | TRIMETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE

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What is TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE used for?

Emulsifier - Triceteareth-4 Phosphate keeps a formulation intact by mixing oil and water-based ingredients. Its addition results in a smooth product that does not break down over time.
Surfactant - It reduces the surface tension of different ingredients present in a formulation to increase the overall spreadability, cleansing, and foaming qualities of a product. Moreover, it helps evenly disperse pigments, UV filters, and actives in a formulation.
Texture enhancer - Triceteareth-4 Phosphate gives products a light, non-greasy feel that spreads easily and absorbs well. It prevents beauty products from becoming too bulky or chalky.

Origin

Triceteareth-4 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by first adding four units of ethylene oxide to cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol obtained from palm or coconut oil). The resulting Triceteareth-4 is then treated with phosphoric acid to enhance the ingredient's emulsifying properties. The final ingredient is then neutralized to balance the pH levels and make it suitable for use in cosmetics. Triceteareth-4 Phosphate appears as a soft, waxy compound that is highly stable and mild.

What does TRICETEARETH-4 PHOSPHATE do in a formulation?

EMULSIFYING|

SURFACTANT|

CLEANSING

Safety Profile

Triceteareth-4 Phosphate is safe and non-toxic for topical application, if used within recommended concentrations. It is non-comedogenic and non-sensitizing. However, raw, undiluted, or highly concentrated forms of this ingredient should not be used to avoid skin irritation and rashes. It is also important to source high-purity Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, as impurities left behind after ethoxylation can be carcinogenic. Patch testing is recommended prior to full application, especially for sensitive skin.