What it is
Trilaureth-4 phosphate is a tri-ester of phosphoric acid with ethoxylated lauryl alcohol (laureth-4). As an anionic-leaning surfactant it lowers interfacial tension, helping form and stabilize emulsions and disperse solid particles. It is frequently used in mineral sunscreens and tinted products to wet and evenly distribute titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments.
Safety & warnings
Phosphate ester surfactants of this type are generally well tolerated at use levels in rinse-off and leave-on products. As with most surfactants, very high concentrations could be mildly irritating, but typical formula levels are low.
Origin & sourcing
A synthetic surfactant produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol and esterifying the result with phosphoric acid.
Questions everyone asks
What is trilaureth-4 phosphate used for?
It serves as an emulsifier and dispersing aid, commonly helping wet and evenly spread mineral UV filters and pigments in tinted or mineral sunscreens.
Is it a natural ingredient?
No, it is a synthetic phosphate ester surfactant made from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol and phosphoric acid.