What Is Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate?
Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is the sodium salt of a group of phosphate diesters made from Laureth-10, a plant-derived fatty alcohol that has been reacted with about ten units of ethylene oxide. In simple terms it is a gentle surfactant created from coconut or palm kernel oil that has been chemically modified to mix easily with water and oil. Phosphate-based surfactants like this one began to appear in personal care formulas in the late 1970s as brands searched for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. To manufacture it, producers first ethoxylate lauryl alcohol to obtain Laureth-10, then react that with phosphoric acid to make a phosphate ester, and finally neutralize the mixture with sodium hydroxide to get the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics.
Because of its mild cleansing power and good foaming profile, Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate shows up in a wide range of rinse-off products such as shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters and baby bath formulas. It can also be blended into exfoliating scrubs and makeup removing wipes where a soft yet effective cleanser is required.
Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays a straightforward but important role in skincare and hair care formulas.
Cleansing: Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product buildup can be lifted from skin or hair and rinsed away. It produces a light lather, spreads easily and leaves a fresh feel without the squeaky dryness sometimes caused by stronger surfactants, making it well suited to sensitive skin cleansers and daily-use shampoos.
Who Can Use Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate
Most skin types, including oily, normal, combination and sensitive, tolerate this gentle surfactant well because it cleans without pulling away too much of the skin’s natural moisture. Very dry or compromised skin can also use it, though users may prefer it paired with richer conditioners to avoid a tight feel after rinsing.
The raw material is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil and no animal-derived substances are involved in standard production, so the ingredient itself is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Those following strict lifestyle standards should still check that the finished product has been certified cruelty-free by the manufacturer.
Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is not known to pose special risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it stays on the surface of skin and is removed with water, limiting systemic exposure. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear any skincare routine with a qualified physician for peace of mind.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and has no link to increased photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet unlikely when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness
- Transient stinging if the formula enters the eyes
- Redness or irritation on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis manifested by rash or itching
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0
Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is highly water-soluble and designed to be rinsed off almost completely, so it does not linger on skin or mix with sebum in a way that could block pores. Unlike heavier oils or waxes its molecular structure is light, charged and easily dispersed in water, which further reduces any pore-clogging potential.
This makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
As with any surfactant, the overall formula can influence pore behavior; pairing it with heavy occlusives could raise the comedogenic risk, so the finished product as a whole should be considered.
Summary
Sodium Dilaureth-10 Phosphate is a gentle surfactant that lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil by lowering water’s surface tension, letting debris rinse off without stripping skin or hair. It foams lightly, spreads easily and leaves a clean, soft after-feel.
While not as famous as classic sulfates or trendy glucosides, it quietly appears in many everyday shampoos, face washes and baby cleansers where mildness counts. Its popularity sits in the middle ground: common enough to find on shelves yet not a household name.
Safety data show low irritation rates and virtually no systemic absorption, making it a low-risk choice for most users. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient before diving into full use.