Emollient

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Anionic O/W emulsifier based on phosphate — gives creams a delicate light texture and a "skin-like" feel. Especially popular in sunscreens and daily moisturizers due to compatibility with UV filters and mineral SPF components.

Anionic emulsifierPhosphate-esterSPF-compatibleLight creamy texture

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (Amphisol K) — potassium salt of the phosphate monoester of cetyl alcohol (C16). Anionic surfactant with a phosphate polar group. Molecular weight ~432 Da. White or slightly creamy powder or paste. HLB ~10–12 → effective O/W emulsifier. Well compatible with UV filters (both chemical and mineral — ZnO, TiO2). Stable at pH 4.5–8. Emulsions feel "lighter" and "skin-like" compared to traditional emulsifiers (ceteareth-20, GMS-SE).

Sunscreens (especially mineral SPF), daily moisturizers with a light texture, SPF bases for makeup, children's SPF creams and fluids.

Key Benefits

✦

Excellent compatibility with mineral UV filters

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is one of the few emulsifiers that effectively stabilize emulsions with ZnO (zinc oxide) and TiO2 (titanium dioxide) without particle aggregation. The phosphate polar group interacts with the surface of mineral particles → stabilizes their dispersion in the aqueous phase. This is why KCP is a standard emulsifier in formulations of mineral and hybrid SPF, including children's sunscreens.

◈

Light skin-like texture — the feeling of a second skin

Emulsions with Potassium Cetyl Phosphate have a unique feel: light, "fresh," almost invisible on the skin. Compared to classic emulsifiers (GMS-SE, ceteareth): less "waxy," more "aqueous" feel upon application. This is especially important for daily moisturizers and SPF, where consumers expect lightweight, non-greasy textures.

✧

Stability across a wide pH and with actives

KCP is stable at pH 4.5–8 → compatible with both AHA acids (pH 3.5–4.5 formulations, but the emulsifier is stable) and more alkaline systems. Tolerates the presence of electrolytes and cosmetic actives well. Does not negatively interact with niacinamide, peptides, retinol — a popular choice for multi-active daily SPF creams.

Suitable for

All skin typesMineral SPFDaily lightweight creams

Main Actions

✓ O/W emulsification✓ Stabilization of mineral SPF✓ Light skin-like texture

Amphisol K in SPF — practical application

Amphisol K (trade name Clariant) is widely used in SPF formulations of leading brands: La Roche-Posay, Vichy, Avene. Provides stable emulsions with ZnO and TiO2 without 'whitecast' (compared to non-optimized systems). For children's SPF (mineral, without chemical filters): KCP + ZnO/TiO2 + glycerin = clean, safe formulation. Often combined with Polysorbate 60 or Ceteareth-20 for additional stability.

CategoryEmollients

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