What Is Trioctadecyl phosphate?

Learn about the plasticizer and surfactant cleansing characteristics of Trioctadecyl phosphate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Trioctadecyl phosphate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Trioctadecyl phosphate?

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Trioctadecyl phosphate, also known as tristearyl phosphate, is an ingredient used in cosmetics that has two main functions. First, it acts as a plasticiser which means it helps to soften and smooth the texture of products like lipstick or foundation. Second, it works as a surfactant which means it helps to cleanse and remove dirt and oil from the skin. Overall, Trioctadecyl phosphate is a common cosmetic ingredient that enhances product texture and cleansing properties.

What is the purpose of Trioctadecyl phosphate in personal care products? It is used for its plasticizer and surfactant cleansing characteristics. Trioctadecyl phosphate makes materials softer and flexible and helps clean body surfaces.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Trioctadecyl phosphate and Tristearyl Phosphate.

What Are Plasticizer Ingredients?

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Trioctadecyl phosphate has plasticizer characteristics.

Polymers are materials made up of many smaller units called monomers, and they can be found in many products we use every day, including cosmetics. However, some polymers can be stiff and difficult to work with, and that's where plasticizers come in. Plasticizers are ingredients used in cosmetic products to soften and make synthetic polymers more flexible.

Plasticizers make the polymers more supple, making it easier to spread, deform, or work with the product. Without plasticizers, some synthetic polymers would be too rigid to be used in cosmetic products, as they would not be able to spread evenly over the skin or be easily applied to the desired area. Therefore, plasticizers are an essential ingredient in many cosmetic products, helping to make them more user-friendly and effective.

Plasticizers are commonly used in products beyond cosmetics, including plastics, coatings, adhesives, etc. In these applications, plasticizers serve a similar purpose of improving the flexibility and workability of synthetic polymers.

What Are Surfactant Cleansing Ingredients?

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Trioctadecyl phosphate has surfactant cleansing characteristics.

Surfactant cleansing ingredients are commonly found in various cosmetics, particularly those designed for cleansing, such as shampoo, body wash, and facial cleansers. These ingredients serve several purposes, including wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or dissolving oils, and suspending dirt and grime, making them easier to remove. Surfactants generally contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products, making them more effective in removing impurities from the skin or hair.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.