Tristearyl Phosphate

AKA: Trioctadecyl phosphate, 4889-45-6, Phosphoric acid, Tristearyl ester, Trioctadecyl ester
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded the following 28 alkyl phosphates are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating...Tristearyl Phosphate...
Formula
C54H111O4P
Mol. Weight
855.40
CAS #
4889-45-6
Form
Powder
Functions
Plasticiser
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Lifts away dirt and oil
Adds flexibility
Traditional Use
A synthetic phosphate ester developed in the 20th century for use as an emollient and conditioning agent in cosmetics. No traditional use history.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR