The ingredient, explained
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Emulsifying
- Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
- Surfactant
- Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Laboratory and human research
The blend performed better than individual components in water-vapour experiments and improved visible dryness compared with a mineral-oil vehicle in a randomized clinical trial.
What this does not tell us
Results apply to the assembled five-ingredient blend, not potassium cetyl phosphate alone. Sample size, treatment length and funding are not stated in the reviewed abstract.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 22882126 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective exact-identity review of 1 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Laboratory and human research
The effect of an amphiphilic self-assembled lipid lamellar phase on the relief of dry skin. ↗
International journal of cosmetic science · 2012
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE
- CAS registry number
- 84861-79-0, 19035-79-1
- EC number
- 284-374-2; 242-768-1
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026