Cetearyl phosphate

Cetearyl phosphate (CAS 90506-73-3), also supplied under trade names such as Botanimulse CSP and Empiphos TM, is a phosphate ester of cetearyl alcohol used as an emulsifier and wetting agent. It stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems while modifying surface behavior to improve ingredient compatibility and texture in cosmetic and cleaning formulations.

In skin and hair care, it functions as the primary emulsifier in creams, lotions, and conditioners, providing stable emulsion architecture across a range of pH conditions. Formulators in color cosmetics use it to disperse pigments and achieve uniform coverage in foundations and tinted moisturizers for high-performance applications.

In home care and industrial cleaning products, it improves substrate wetting and helps solubilize oils and soils in liquid detergent systems for better efficiency. It is also selected for mild or natural-positioned formulations where a plant-derived phosphate emulsifier is a specific formulation requirement for the manufacturer.

Cetearyl phosphate is typically supplied as a waxy solid or flake. It is available in cosmetic-grade specifications suited to personal care manufacturing needs. Some suppliers offer plant-derived variants to support natural or organic product positioning. Packaging is commonly offered in bags or drums sized for batch manufacturing.