What Is Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate?
Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate is the cosmetic name for triethanolamine polyethylene glycol 200 lauryl ether phosphate, a compound created by combining fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil with ethylene oxide then neutralizing the resulting lauryl ether phosphate with triethanolamine. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that is water soluble and mildly acidic, making it easy to work into many personal care formulas.
The ingredient appeared in the late 1970s when formulators wanted a gentler alternative to traditional sulfated detergents. By attaching phosphate groups to the lauryl ether backbone they found a way to boost mildness without losing foaming power. Today it is produced in large batches through a controlled reaction that first ethoxylates lauryl alcohol to reach an average of four ethylene oxide units, then phosphorylates the chain before a final neutralization step with triethanolamine.
Thanks to its balanced cleansing strength and ability to mix oil with water, Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate shows up in everyday items like shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. It is also used in micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs, makeup removers, liquid hand soaps and even some lightweight lotions where a bit of extra cleansing or foaming is needed.
Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient brings two main technical skills to a formula which together improve feel, performance and stability.
- Cleansing: The molecule’s fatty tail grabs onto oil and dirt while its phosphate group stays comfortable in water. When rinsed away it lifts impurities from skin or hair without the squeaky dryness often linked with stronger surfactants, helping products create a soft creamy lather that feels gentle yet effective.
- Emulsifying: Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate keeps oil and water phases blended so creams stay smooth and clear gels do not separate. This stabilizing action lets brands reduce or simplify the number of other emulsifiers, trim down on thickeners and design lighter textures that spread easily and rinse off cleanly.
Who Can Use Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate
Because it is a mild surfactant with a balanced pH, Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate is generally well tolerated by most skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Those with extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin should still keep an eye on the ingredient list since any surfactant can be a potential trigger if the barrier is already compromised.
The compound is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing agents, so it is typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it contains no animal-based inputs. As always, cruelty-free certification and sourcing practices depend on the finished brand.
Current safety data shows no known reproductive toxicity, meaning products that feature Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate are usually considered safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should have a doctor review their skin or hair care routine to be sure every ingredient meets individual needs.
The molecule does not increase sensitivity to sunlight and there is no evidence it interferes with sunscreen performance. It can be used morning or night without any special UV precautions beyond normal daily protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate vary from person to person. The points below outline possible reactions, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on compromised or very dry skin
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, more likely with high-foaming cleansers
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity to triethanolamine or ethoxylated compounds
- Scalp dryness or tightness for users who shampoo very frequently or leave the product on too long
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses away almost completely, leaving little to no film on skin. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that typically block pores, so the likelihood of it trapping sebum or dead cells is very low. A small risk remains because any cleansing agent can upset the barrier if overused, which is why it does not receive a perfect zero.
Suitable for acne-prone users in most rinse-off or lightweight leave-on formulas.
Residue-free removal also means it will not interfere with leave-on acne treatments applied afterward, a plus for multi-step routines.
Summary
Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate works as a gentle cleanser and reliable emulsifier. Its fatty tail latches onto oils while the phosphate head stays water loving, letting it lift dirt and oil then carry them away in the rinse. The same dual nature helps it glue oil and water together so creams stay smooth and gels stay clear without extra stabilizers.
It enjoys steady use in shampoos, body washes, micellar waters and a handful of light lotions but it is not as famous as classic sulfates or trendy plant surfactants, so most consumers spot it only after reading the ingredient list.
Current studies find it non-toxic, non-sensitizing for the majority of people and safe to use daily within normal cosmetic limits. Still, skin is personal so perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that lists Tea-Laureth-4 Phosphate just to be cautious.