What Is C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate?
C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate is a lab made ingredient created by attaching about four units of ethylene oxide to a blend of short to mid length fatty alcohols that have six to ten carbon atoms. This new molecule is then reacted with phosphoric acid to form a gentle phosphate ester. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that mixes well with both water and oil.
The idea of combining fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide has been around since the middle of the twentieth century when chemists started looking for milder cleansers to replace harsh soaps. Adding the phosphate group came later as researchers noticed it could further soften the surfactant and make it easier to rinse. Over time the material proved useful in personal care labs and made its way into shampoos and face washes during the 1990s. Today suppliers offer it in bulk for formulators who need a mild helper that supports foam and stability.
To manufacture it, producers first choose coconut or palm kernel derived fatty alcohols then run them through ethoxylation in a controlled reactor. After that step the phosphoric acid is added. The mixture is neutralized, filtered and quality checked before shipping.
You will most often spot C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, baby shampoos, light body washes, exfoliating scrubs, sheet mask essences and water based makeup removers. It can also show up in lotions and creams where a formulator wants a self emulsifying base that rinses away cleanly.
C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulas
- Cleansing: The phosphate ester head is highly water loving while the fatty tail is oil loving so the molecule can grab dirt, makeup and excess sebum then lift them off the skin or hair. Because the carbon chain is short and the ethoxylation level is low the cleansing action is gentle making it suitable for daily use.
- Emulsifying: When lotions or serums contain both water and oil phases this ingredient helps keep them blended. It sits at the interface of the two phases preventing separation so the product stays smooth, stable and easy to spread.
Who Can Use C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate
This surfactant–emulsifier is generally considered friendly for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and even sensitive skin because its cleansing action is mild and it rinses without leaving a heavy residue. Very dry or compromised skin may still prefer richer cleansers but the ingredient itself is not known to strip moisture aggressively.
C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate is usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil so it contains no animal-derived materials. As long as the finished product is not blended with ingredients of animal origin it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The molecule is not on any pregnancy or breastfeeding watch lists and it is used in baby shampoos so the risk profile is low. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known impact on UV response so it is not considered a photosensitizer.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topically applied C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur even though they are not the norm when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient stinging or burning
- Temporary redness or blotchiness
- Excessive dryness if used in a high concentration or paired with other strong surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people who are specifically sensitized to phosphate esters
- Eye irritation or tearing if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 This ingredient is built on short to medium chain fatty alcohols that have been heavily modified with ethylene oxide and a phosphate group, which boosts water solubility and lets the molecule rinse away without leaving an oily film. Because it stays mostly in the water phase of a formula and does not linger on skin, the chance of it blocking pores is very low. It is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Summary
C6-10 Pareth-4 Phosphate works as a mild cleanser and emulsifier. Its water loving phosphate head grabs onto dirt and makeup while its oil loving tail lifts them away, helping products create a gentle foam that rinses clean. At the same time the molecule sits at the border of oil and water inside creams or lotions to stop them from separating, so textures stay smooth.
It is not the most famous surfactant on store shelves but formulators appreciate it for its softness and versatility, which is why you will spot it in a steady stream of facial cleansers, baby shampoos and light lotions.
Regulatory groups have cleared it for use at typical cosmetic levels and reports of irritation are uncommon, so the overall safety profile is solid. As with any new skincare product, give it a quick patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.