What Is Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate?
Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate is a specialty ingredient created by combining phosphoric acid with perfluorinated alcohols that have carbon chain lengths between eight and eighteen, then neutralizing the result with diethanolamine. The perfluorinated part of the molecule repels both water and oils, while the phosphate and diethanolamine parts attract water. This unusual balance lets the ingredient sit at the boundary between oil and water, which is why it is prized in cosmetic formulas.
The material first entered the beauty world in the late 1980s, a time when brands were looking for light yet effective cleansing agents that left a silky after-feel. Chemists discovered that adding fluorinated chains to traditional phosphate esters boosted spreadability and created a smooth, non-greasy finish. Since then the ingredient has been refined to meet modern safety and environmental standards.
Manufacturing involves esterifying phosphoric acid with the chosen perfluoro alcohols under controlled heat, then slowly adding diethanolamine to form a stable salt. The finished powder or paste is filtered, purified and blended into liquid concentrates that cosmetic labs can dose easily.
You will most often find Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate in face cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, lightweight lotions, sunscreens, long-wear foundations, hair conditioners and rinse-off masks where a gentle cleanse and smooth glide are important.
Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient shines because it performs two key jobs:
- Cleansing: Its dual nature lets it grab onto dirt, oil and makeup while still rinsing away quickly with water. This leads to gentle yet thorough cleansing without stripping the skin or hair
- Emulsifying: By sitting at the border of oil and water the molecule keeps creams, lotions and sunscreens from separating. Stable emulsions feel smoother, last longer on the shelf and deliver active ingredients evenly across the skin
Who Can Use Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its low irritation profile makes it suitable for normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Sensitive skin can usually handle it too because the molecule is large and tends to stay on the surface rather than sinking in. Those with extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin should still scan the full product label to make sure no other trigger ingredients are present.
Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate is synthetically produced so it contains no animal by-products. That means products using it are typically vegan and vegetarian friendly unless the formula includes other animal-derived ingredients.
No research has flagged this ingredient as harmful for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list to a healthcare professional before adding a new product to their routine.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered a photosensitizer. Regular sun protection is still important, but you do not need extra precautions solely because of this ingredient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate can differ from person to person. The points below list potential issues, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at the levels allowed for cosmetics.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Transient dryness if used in a high-foaming cleanser without follow-up moisturizer
- Eye irritation if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact allergy in individuals already allergic to fluorinated compounds or diethanolamine derivatives
If you notice any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate is a large surfactant molecule that prefers to sit on the surface then rinse away. It does not sink into pores or leave a heavy oily residue so it has a very low tendency to clog follicles. A rating of 1 reflects that slim but not impossible chance of congestion when the ingredient appears in rich leave-on products rather than rinse-offs.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most formulations.
If a product combines this ingredient with heavy oils or waxes overall pore-clogging potential may rise even though this specific component is low risk.
Summary
Dea-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate works mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its fluorinated tail repels both water and oil while the phosphate and diethanolamine head loves water. This push-pull structure lets it lift dirt and makeup so they rinse away easily and it helps oil and water stay mixed for smooth stable creams.
It is a niche ingredient appreciated by formulators who want a silky feel and reliable cleansing in lightweight products, yet it is not as common as mainstream surfactants or emulsifiers.
Current safety reviews rate it as low-irritation with minimal comedogenicity when used at cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare product it is smart to patch test first especially if you have very sensitive or reactive skin.