Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate

What is Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate?

Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate is a synthetic anionic surfactant, chemically a phosphate ester formed by reacting lauryl alcohol ethoxylated with four ethylene oxide units and phosphoric acid, then neutralizing with sodium. This creates a versatile ingredient in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics, especially shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and emulsified lotions or creams. It works by lowering surface tension at interfaces, enabling effective dirt and oil removal during cleansing while producing stable foam. Its emulsifying action forms a protective film between oil and water phases, ensuring product homogeneity and preventing separation for smooth application and feel. Compared to traditional sulfates, it offers milder performance, preserving skin's moisture balance better in formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Delivers gentle surface cleaning to lift away dirt and excess oils.

Promotes creamy foam for enhanced user experience in washes.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures for even texture in creams and lotions.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily foaming cleansers seeking mild action.
Those with rare phosphate surfactant sensitivities.
People with normal or oily skin types for routine washing.
People preferring fully non-ethoxylated products.
Individuals preferring stable emulsion-based moisturizers.
Individuals with ultra-sensitive skin; patch testing recommended.

Safety Notes

  • Deemed safe in cosmetics at typical use levels by expert reviews.
  • Presents low irritation risk, milder than many common surfactants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate

What does Sodium Laureth-4 Phosphate do in products?

It cleanses by reducing surface tension, foams mildly, and emulsifies for stable blends.

Is it irritating to skin?

Low irritation potential, favored for mild formulations.

Safe for regular use?

Yes, approved safe in cosmetics by regulatory assessments.