Dicetyl Phosphate is an anionic phosphate ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer, often paired with Ceteth-10 Phosphate to form oil-in-water emulsions. It helps maintain emulsion stability and texture rather than providing a direct skin treatment effect.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild transient redness or stinging possible, particularly at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis | Rare | Occasional allergic or irritant contact dermatitis reported in patch-test sensitive individuals. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause mild irritation if formulations contact the eyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.