What Is Ceteareth-5 Phosphate?
Ceteareth-5 Phosphate is a synthetic compound made by reacting fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm oil with about five units of ethylene oxide, then adding a small amount of phosphoric acid to create a phosphate ester. The fatty alcohol chain length is mainly C16-C18, giving the ingredient a balanced mix of oil-loving and water-loving parts. It first appeared in personal care formulas in the late twentieth century when chemists looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps that could work in modern emulsions and cleansers.
The production process starts with the natural fatty alcohols, which are purified and then ethoxylated under controlled heat and pressure. The resulting ceteareth-5 is treated with phosphoric acid, neutralized, filtered and dried to a free-flowing powder or viscous liquid, depending on grade. This method produces a stable ingredient that blends easily with both oils and water.
Because of its surface-active nature, Ceteareth-5 Phosphate is found in a wide range of products such as facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, clay masks, light lotions, makeup removers and mild baby shampoos. Formulators favor it when they need gentle cleansing action without stripping the skin.
Ceteareth-5 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is mainly valued for the way it helps clean skin and hair while keeping formulas mild.
Its cleansing ability lets it lift away dirt, oil and makeup so the skin feels fresh and comfortable after rinsing. The balance of oil-compatible and water-compatible parts means it can dissolve greasy residue yet still rinse off easily, helping products foam lightly and leave little to no film.
Who Can Use Ceteareth-5 Phosphate
This cleansing agent is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, oily and combination skin because it removes grime without harsh stripping. Dry or very sensitive skin can also do well with it when it is part of a gentle formula since it is milder than many sulfate-based surfactants. People with highly reactive skin or with a known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients might prefer to avoid it or use with caution because rare irritation can occur.
Ceteareth-5 Phosphate is made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-origin compounds are involved in its standard manufacture.
Available safety data show no specific issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at normal use levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before starting any new skincare product just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with sunscreen filters or other light-related actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ceteareth-5 Phosphate are uncommon and tend to differ from one person to another. The points below list possible but unlikely effects when the ingredient is used in finished products that have been correctly formulated.
- Mild stinging or burning on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Redness or transient flushing in people prone to irritation
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye irritation if a cleanser containing the ingredient gets into the eyes
- Increased dryness when used in high concentrations or paired with other strong cleansers
If any discomfort, persistent redness or other unwanted reaction occurs, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Although Ceteareth-5 Phosphate contains long-chain fatty alcohols that could in theory create a light film, the ethoxylation and phosphate groups make the molecule largely water dispersible so it tends to rinse away instead of lingering in pores. Published literature and anecdotal reports show few instances of clogged pores even in leave-on lotions. Because of this low score it is usually fine for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts, particularly in rinse-off products. Very heavy creams that use the ingredient at high levels may still pose a slight risk for extremely congestion-prone skin but this is uncommon.
Summary
Ceteareth-5 Phosphate acts mainly as a mild cleanser that lifts oil, dirt and makeup by surrounding them with its oil-loving tail while the water-loving head carries everything away on rinsing. This dual nature also helps keep water and oil evenly blended, giving formulas a smoother feel.
It is not a headline-grabbing ingredient yet it remains a quiet workhorse in many everyday cleansers, makeup removers and light lotions where formulators want gentle performance without sulfates. Overall safety data are strong with low rates of irritation or sensitization. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product first just to be sure your skin is happy with it.