Cetyl Phosphate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Hexadecyl dihydrogen phosphate, 3539-43-3, Hexadecyl phosphate, 1-Hexadecanol, Dihydrogen phosphate, Hostaphat CC 100, MACKESTER CEP, CRODAFOS MCA
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Hexadecyl dihydrogen phosphate
Formula
C16H35O4P
Mol. Weight
322.42
CAS #
3539-43-3
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Boosts Collagen
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier and skin conditioning agent developed for modern cosmetics. Created to stabilize oil-water mixtures and improve the absorption and feel of skincare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR