What Is Dilaureth-10 Phosphate?
Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient created by treating lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol often sourced from coconut or palm oil, with about ten units of ethylene oxide, then reacting the resulting ethoxylated chain with phosphoric acid to form a diester. The process turns an oily raw material into a water-loving molecule that works well in skin and hair care formulas. First introduced in the late twentieth century as formulators searched for milder surfactants, it soon found favor for its gentle cleansing action and its ability to help oil and water stay mixed without leaving a heavy residue. Today it appears in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, light lotions, hydrating masks and sprayable emulsions.
Dilaureth-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings two key functions to a cosmetic formula
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature helps lift dirt, excess oil and makeup from the skin or hair so they can be rinsed away easily, giving a fresh clean feel without stripping natural moisture
- Emulsifying: It bridges the gap between water and oil phases, keeping creams, lotions or sprays uniform and stable which means a smooth texture, consistent performance and a longer shelf life for the finished product
Who Can Use Dilaureth-10 Phosphate
Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even dry or mature skin thanks to its mild, non stripping nature. Extremely sensitive or compromised skin may still want to approach with caution since any surfactant can cause irritation if left on too long or used in very high amounts.
The ingredient is typically derived from coconut or palm sources and produced without animal by-products so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. As always, those following a strict lifestyle should confirm the full supply chain with the brand to ensure no animal derived processing aids were involved.
Current safety data indicates no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at the concentrations found in cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
Dilaureth-10 Phosphate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so no special photoprotection steps are needed beyond routine daily sunscreen use. It is also non volatile so it will not aggravate respiratory conditions during normal topical use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Dilaureth-10 Phosphate can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues, though they are unlikely to occur for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on very sensitive skin
- Transient dryness or tightness if the formula lacks sufficient moisturizers
- Eye irritation or tearing if a cleanser containing it accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically sensitized to the molecule
- Scalp itching or flaking when used in shampoos on already irritated scalps
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is highly water soluble and does not leave a greasy film on the skin. Because it rinses away easily and is used at low levels in most formulas, it has very little tendency to clog pores. Most reports and available data show no link between this ingredient and an increase in blackheads or breakouts.
That means it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent blemishes.
As with any surfactant, the overall formula matters. A cleanser that also contains heavy oils or rich butters may still feel pore clogging even if this ingredient itself is not, so always look at the full ingredient list and product texture.
Summary
Dilaureth-10 Phosphate serves two main jobs: it lifts away dirt and oil thanks to its gentle surfactant action and it keeps water and oil mixed so lotions or cleansers stay smooth and stable. Its balance of a fatty tail and a water loving phosphate head lets it surround oily debris then carry it off with the rinse water while also locking oil droplets into a fine emulsion.
It is not as famous as classic surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate yet formulators value it for its mild touch and versatility so you will often see it sitting quietly in ingredient lists of newer cleansers micellar waters and light lotions.
Current safety assessments show a low risk of irritation or long term harm when used at cosmetic levels on intact skin. Still, everyone’s skin is different. When trying a new product that features Dilaureth-10 Phosphate do a quick patch test to make sure it plays well with your skin.