What Is Dilaureth-4 Phosphate?
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil, with ethylene oxide to add four ethoxy units, then treating the result with phosphoric acid to form a diester. The outcome is a water-loving, oil-compatible molecule that behaves like a gentle surfactant. Commercial production began in the late twentieth century as formulators searched for milder alternatives to the harsher sulfate detergents common in earlier personal care products. Today the ingredient is manufactured on an industrial scale in closed reactors where temperature, pressure and pH are carefully controlled, followed by purification and neutralization to yield a stable liquid or paste.
Because it both cleans and helps blend oil and water, Dilaureth-4 Phosphate shows up in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products. You will most often see it in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, lightweight lotions, gel-cream moisturizers and some peel-off or rinse-off masks.
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on this multitasker for two main reasons:
- Cleansing – As a mild surfactant it lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup without stripping the skin or hair, helping products produce a pleasant, low-irritation lather
- Emulsifying – It binds water and oil phases, keeping creams, lotions and cleansers uniform so the texture stays smooth and stable throughout a product’s shelf life
Who Can Use Dilaureth-4 Phosphate
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is generally considered suitable for all major skin types, including normal, oily, combination and dry skin thanks to its mild cleansing profile and low likelihood of dehydration. Sensitive skin users also tend to tolerate it well because its irritation potential is lower than that of many sulfate surfactants. Those with very reactive or eczema-prone skin should still monitor how their skin feels, as any surfactant can occasionally disrupt a fragile barrier.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal-derived components, making it appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers typically source the fatty alcohol from plant oils and the processing aids involved do not rely on animal by-products.
No specific contraindications have been reported for pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this information is educational only, not medical advice, and anyone who is expectant or nursing should confirm product choices with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sun protection is still advised for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Dilaureth-4 Phosphate differ from person to person. The following list outlines potential side effects that could occur in rare cases. When formulated correctly most users will not experience these issues.
- Mild skin irritation – temporary redness or stinging, usually in people with compromised skin barriers
- Contact dermatitis – allergic response presenting as itching, rash or swelling
- Dryness – a tight feeling if the product is left on the skin for extended periods instead of being rinsed as directed
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is a lightweight, water-soluble surfactant that rinses away easily and does not leave a thick oily film on the skin. Its molecular structure is designed to mix with water, so it is unlikely to linger in pores or create the kind of occlusive layer that traps sebum and debris. Because of this it sits near the bottom of the scale at 1 rather than 0, acknowledging that any surfactant can still cause congestion in a very small percentage of users if a formula is poorly balanced or not rinsed off.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off products.
Like most cleansing agents, the overall formula matters. Heavy oils or waxes paired with Dilaureth-4 Phosphate could raise the finished product’s comedogenic potential even though the ingredient itself is low risk.
Summary
Dilaureth-4 Phosphate acts as a mild cleanser and an efficient emulsifier. Its dual nature lets it lift away dirt and oil while keeping water and oil phases blended so products stay smooth throughout their shelf life. The ingredient pops up in everyday items such as shampoos, face washes and lightweight lotions, though it is not as ubiquitous as classic sulfates or polysorbates which means it sits in the “somewhat popular” category rather than a household staple.
Safety data and decades of use show it is well tolerated, vegan friendly and generally low risk. Still, every skin is unique so doing a quick patch test when trying any new product containing Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is a smart habit.