Hydroxycetyl Phosphate

INCI: HYDROXYCETYL PHOSPHATE

CAS Number
Mixture (alkyl phosphate; no single CAS — often supplied as a blend with cetearyl alcohol)
Function
Surfactant, emulsifier (alkyl phosphate ester)
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted — no CFR restriction; CIR reviewed alkyl phosphates as safe in current practices of use when formulated to be nonirritating

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Can be irritating at high concentrations; CIR stipulates safe when formulated to be nonirritating. Irritation patch testing recommended at final-product concentration.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydroxycetyl Phosphate safe in cosmetics?

Can be irritating at high concentrations; CIR stipulates safe when formulated to be nonirritating. Irritation patch testing recommended at final-product concentration. The EU classifies Hydroxycetyl Phosphate as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Hydroxycetyl Phosphate allowed in the EU?

Hydroxycetyl Phosphate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Hydroxycetyl Phosphate do in cosmetics?

Hydroxycetyl Phosphate functions as: Surfactant, emulsifier (alkyl phosphate ester). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: Mixture (alkyl phosphate; no single CAS — often supplied as a blend with cetearyl alcohol).

What is the Margin of Safety for Hydroxycetyl Phosphate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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