What Is Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate?
Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate is a lab-made ingredient created by reacting fatty alcohols that come from palm or coconut oil with a small number of ethylene oxide units, then linking the result to phosphoric acid and finally neutralizing it with diethanolamine. The final material is a salt that looks like a thick liquid or soft paste and mixes easily with both water and oil.
Its roots trace back to the 1970s when chemists searched for gentle yet effective emulsifiers to replace harsher soaps in creams and lotions. By fine-tuning the balance between the fatty part of the molecule and the water-loving phosphate group, they produced an ingredient that could hold oil and water together without leaving a heavy film.
Production happens in three main steps: first the plant-based fatty alcohols are ethoxylated to add the right number of oxygen atoms, next the phosphate group is attached, then the mixture is neutralized with diethanolamine. Rigorous purification follows to remove excess reactants and ensure the material meets cosmetic grade standards.
You will normally spot Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate in moisture creams, face masks, anti-aging serums, hair conditioners, makeup removers and lightweight sunscreens where a stable, smooth texture is key.
Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one primary purpose in beauty formulas.
Emulsifying: It binds oil and water into a uniform mixture, giving products a creamy yet non-greasy feel. By keeping the formula stable, it prevents separation during shelf life, improves spreadability and helps active ingredients stay evenly distributed so every application delivers the same benefits.
Who Can Use Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate
This emulsifier suits most skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive because it is lightweight and generally non-irritating. People with an established allergy to diethanolamine or phosphate esters should avoid it, as even the small amount present in the salt form could trigger a reaction.
The ingredient is created from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, with no animal-origin substances involved, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the compound is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified doctor to be safe.
Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate does not increase photosensitivity and can be worn in daytime products without extra sun precautions beyond the normal use of sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is correctly formulated in a product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching on sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to diethanolamine or phosphate esters
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
- Rare pore clogging in acne-prone skin when used at high levels in very rich creams
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate is mostly water soluble and used at low levels, so it rinses or absorbs without leaving a heavy lipid film that can trap debris in pores. The small fatty portion of the molecule is balanced by the phosphate and ethoxylated segments, keeping the ingredient light and unlikely to block follicles. A score of 1 reflects a very low but not zero chance of clogging, matching the occasional reports of breakouts when the ingredient sits in thick, rich creams.
Acne-prone or breakout-prone users generally tolerate this emulsifier well, especially in lightweight formulas.
If paired with large amounts of occlusive oils or waxes the overall product, not the emulsifier itself, could raise the risk of congestion. Always look at the full ingredient list when assessing a product’s pore-clogging potential.
Summary
Dea-Ceteareth-2 Phosphate is an emulsifier that binds oil and water so creams, lotions and serums stay smooth and uniform. Its phosphate group attracts water while its fatty chain anchors into oils, creating a stable mix that feels light on skin and helps active ingredients spread evenly.
It is a useful but not headline-grabbing ingredient, appearing in mainstream moisturizers, sunscreens and hair care yet rarely featured in marketing spotlights. Formulators value it for reliability rather than trend appeal.
Current data show it is safe for most users with low irritation and comedogenic potential. While reactions are rare, every skin is unique so perform a patch test when trying a new product containing this or any other ingredient.