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Ceteth-10 Phosphate

What Ceteth-10 Phosphate is & what it does

Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a phosphate ester of ethoxylated cetyl alcohol, used in cosmetic and sunscreen formulas as an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps blend oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion and can also act as a dispersing agent. It is generally compatible with mineral UV filters, which makes it common in sunscreen bases.

What does Ceteth-10 Phosphate do in skincare?

Ceteth-10 Phosphate works as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water ingredients blend into a stable, uniform product. This keeps creams and lotions from separating and contributes to a pleasant texture. In sunscreens it can help disperse and evenly distribute UV filters.

Is Ceteth-10 Phosphate safe?

Ceteth-10 Phosphate is generally considered safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics at the levels typically used. Its main job is to keep emulsions stable rather than to act on the skin. People with very sensitive skin can patch test a new product first.

Is Ceteth-10 Phosphate natural or synthetic?

Ceteth-10 Phosphate is a synthetic ingredient made by ethoxylating cetyl alcohol and then forming a phosphate ester. It is produced to deliver consistent emulsifying performance. The cetyl alcohol it is based on can be sourced from plant oils.

Sunscreens with Ceteth-10 Phosphate

We rate 78 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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