What Is Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate?
Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is the sodium salt of a group of phosphate diesters made from Laureth-4, an ethoxylated form of lauryl alcohol that comes from coconut or palm kernel oil. In simple terms it is a soap-like molecule whose tail loves oil while its head loves water, a structure that lets it lift dirt and oil off the skin or hair.
The ingredient first appeared in the late twentieth century when formulators were looking for milder, more flexible alternatives to traditional sulfates. By attaching phosphate groups to ethoxylated lauryl chains they created a cleanser that produced a creamy foam yet felt gentle on skin. Over time its balanced cleansing power made it a regular feature in personal care labs around the world.
Manufacturing starts with natural fatty alcohols sourced from coconut or palm. These alcohols are reacted with ethylene oxide to add four ethoxy units, creating Laureth-4. The Laureth-4 is then treated with phosphoric acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide, yielding the final phosphate salt. The result is a water-soluble powder or paste that dissolves easily into cosmetic bases.
You will most often spot Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, makeup removers and some exfoliating scrubs. Formulators also use it in lightweight lotions and self-foaming masks whenever they need gentle cleansing or a stable emulsion.
Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for two main performance reasons:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature grabs onto oil, sweat and everyday grime then allows them to rinse away with water. This gives products a satisfying lather and leaves skin or hair feeling fresh without a tight after-feel.
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water blend smoothly, preventing separation in creams, lotions and washes. A good emulsion means a uniform texture, longer shelf life and consistent delivery of other active ingredients.
Who Can Use Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate
Because it is milder than many traditional sulfates, Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate suits most skin types. Oily, normal and combination skin generally tolerate it well as the ingredient lifts away excess sebum without an over-drying feel. Sensitive skin often does fine too thanks to its lower irritation profile, although individuals with an already compromised moisture barrier or very dry, eczema-prone skin might prefer a richer cleanser or formula with extra emollients to avoid possible tightness.
The compound is plant derived, coming from coconut or palm kernel oil, and contains no animal by-products. This makes it acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians provided the finished formula is also cruelty free.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when using products containing Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate. Current safety assessments show low systemic absorption through intact skin. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so normal daylight exposure precautions apply. It is also non-volatile and fragrance-free, factors that further reduce the chance of reactivity for most users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential reactions though they are uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used at typical concentrations.
- Skin dryness or tightness, especially on already dehydrated skin
- Transient stinging or redness on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
- Fading of semi-permanent hair dye when used in shampoos
If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop use immediately and seek advice from a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses away quickly so it rarely stays on the skin long enough to clog pores. Its large, polar structure keeps it from slipping into follicle openings, keeping comedone risk low.
With this low score it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Most products that use it are wash off formulas which further limits any pore-blocking potential.
Summary
Sodium Dilaureth-4 Phosphate is a plant-derived surfactant that cleanses and emulsifies. Its oil-loving tail binds to dirt oil and makeup while its water-loving head lets them rinse away, giving products a creamy lather and helping oil and water stay mixed.
You will mainly see it in shampoos body washes and gentle facial cleansers. It is not as iconic as sulfates or the latest sulfate-free blends yet formulators appreciate its blend of mildness and foam.
Safety assessments mark it as low risk with minimal skin penetration and only rare irritation. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to run a quick patch test before full use just to be sure your skin agrees.