DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate is a derivative of Oleth-3 combined with diethanolamine (DEA) and phosphoric acid. It functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic formulations. This ingredient helps to stabilize emulsions, enhance the texture and consistency of products, and improve the solubility of other ingredients.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Oleth-3: A polyethoxylated derivative of oleyl alcohol, which acts as a nonionic surfactant.
Diethanolamine (DEA): An organic compound used to create the phosphate ester.
Phosphoric Acid: An inorganic acid that reacts with DEA and Oleth-3 to form DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate.

Physical Properties:

DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate is typically a clear or slightly cloudy liquid. It is soluble in water and has emulsifying properties that help blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations.

Production Process:

Preparation of Oleth-3:
Oleyl alcohol is ethoxylated to produce Oleth-3.
Esterification:
Oleth-3 is reacted with diethanolamine (DEA) and phosphoric acid to form DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate.
Purification:
The ester is purified to remove any unreacted materials or by-products.
Incorporation:
The purified DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate is incorporated into cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier or surfactant.

Applications:

Emulsifier: Helps to stabilize emulsions and improve product texture.
Surfactant: Enhances the solubility and dispersion of other ingredients.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

DEA-Oleth-3 Phosphate is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics. It is important to use it according to established guidelines to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reactions. Ensure that the ingredient is sustainably sourced and free from harmful contaminants.

Cosmetic safety

Restricted cosmetic ingredient as II/411 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Secondary alkyl- and alkanolamines and their salts.

INCI Functions:


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.
Synonyms:

CAS: 58855-63-3