Common Name(s): Dea-ceteareth-2 phosphate,diethanolamine cetearyl peg-2 phosphate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend in formulas and conditions skin.

Why It's Used: Used as a mild anionic emulsifier in cleansing and emollient formulations.

How It Works: Phosphate ester of peg-2 cetearyl ether provides anionic emulsification; dea counterion maintains neutral ph compatibility.

Typically Found In: Emulsion systems,mild cleansers,conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Surfactant,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Cetearyl alcohol from plant; dea synthetic; phosphoric acid esterification; semi-synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Dea salt form: same dea nitrosamine concern applies as with other dea compounds; avoid nitrosating co-ingredients.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional – avoid nitrosating co-ingredients

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. dea nitrosamine concern: formulate carefully. ewg score: 2–4.

Works Well With: Fatty alcohols,nonionic surfactants

Avoid Combining With: Avoid nitrosating agents

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Phosphate esters of fatty alcohol ethoxylates (ceteareth phosphates) are anionic emulsifiers with different irritation profiles than sulfate analogs; dea salt form compared to sodium form shows differences in cloud point and skin feel.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary