Potassium cetyl phosphate

Potassium cetyl phosphate (CAS 19035-79-1), also known as cetyl potassium phosphate, is an anionic phosphate ester salt used as an emulsifier and surfactant in personal care and pharmaceutical formulations. It stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and modifies surface behavior in topical systems where compatibility with skin and active ingredients is a priority. In cosmetic creams and lotions, it functions as the primary emulsifying agent.

This material produces stable, elegant emulsions that support a broad range of oil phases and active loads. Pharmaceutical topical formulations, including medicated creams and dermal drug delivery bases, rely on it for consistent emulsion structure. It ensures controlled release behavior and also acts as a wetting and dispersing agent in suspensions where uniform particle distribution is critical to product performance. Sunscreen formulations benefit from its ability to stabilize UV filter dispersions.

While maintaining skin feel and formulation aesthetics, it provides reliable stability across various temperatures. Potassium cetyl phosphate is supplied as a white to off-white powder or paste, depending on the manufacturer and grade. Both cosmetic-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material are available, with pharmaceutical supply typically meeting USP or Ph. Eur. purity standards. Packaging ranges from small quantities for R&D to bulk industrial supply for commercial production.