Hexadecyl phosphate

Hexadecyl phosphate (CAS 3539-43-3), also known as cetyl phosphate, is a phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol used as an anionic surfactant and emulsifier across personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.

It functions primarily to stabilize emulsions, modify surface wetting, and control rheological behavior in finished products. In cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical formulations, it acts as an emulsifying agent.

This material provides stable oil-in-water systems with a smooth skin feel in creams and lotions. Formulators in the pharmaceutical sector use it as an excipient in semi-solid dosage forms for performance.

Controlled viscosity and emulsion stability are critical to product performance in these applications. In coatings and adhesive systems, it functions as a surface modifier and wetting agent for the user.

It improves substrate adhesion and pigment dispersion in various industrial settings. Personal care manufacturers also incorporate it into conditioning treatments and sunscreen bases for long-term stability.

This stability is maintained under varying pH conditions, which is a common formulation requirement. Hexadecyl phosphate is typically supplied as a white to off-white powder or waxy solid material.

It is available in cosmetic-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications to meet the purity requirements of regulated end markets. Bulk quantities are generally offered in fiber drums or multi-layer bags.

These packaging options are suited to standard warehouse handling and long-term storage. The product ensures consistent quality for manufacturers requiring reliable anionic surfactants in their supply chain.