What it is
This ingredient combines a dimethicone (silicone) chain with a phosphate ester head group linked through an ethoxypropyl bridge. The silicone portion is oil- and silicone-loving while the phosphate group is polar, giving it surfactant character. In sunscreens and color cosmetics it helps wet and disperse powders and pigments and stabilize emulsions.
Safety & warnings
Silicone-based emulsifiers and dispersants of this type are generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels and are not recognized common allergens.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; a structured silicone phosphate ester.
Questions everyone asks
What is this ingredient for?
It is a silicone-phosphate emulsifier and dispersant that helps wet and evenly distribute pigments and UV filters and stabilize the emulsion.
Is it a silicone?
It is a silicone hybrid: a dimethicone chain joined to a phosphate ester group, combining silicone slip with surfactant function.