C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
AKA “C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Alkyl Phosphate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
C20-22 alkyl phosphate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate is a complex mixture of esters of phosphoric aicd and C20-22 Alcohols
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
See origin →
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the 20th century for use in cosmetic formulations. Created to improve product stability and cleansing properties.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Safety Assessment of Alkyl Phosphates as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium C12-14 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Potassium C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C9-15 Alkyl Phosphate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Potassium C11-15 Alkyl Phosphate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Potassium C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR