Potassium Phosphate

Functions
Buffering
CAS Number(s)
7778-77-0
16068-46-5
EINECS number(s)
231-913-4
240-213-8
FDA UNII
4J9FJ0HL51

Potassium Phosphate is a generic name for three potassium salts of Phosphoric acid (Monopotassium, Dipotassium, and Tripotassium phosphates) inorganic compounds used in skin and hair care applications. It is a safe food-grade ingredient found in almost all human body tissues and is used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and penetration enhancer.

Depending on the potassium atom count, the average pH of the solution varies from 5.8 for monopotassium and 11 for tripotassium phosphate, so it is also used as a buffer to control the pH balance of the formula. Phosphates are involved in the energy production of the cells (Krebs cycle); the result "fuel" molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate) containing three phosphate parts.

Potassium Phosphate improves adsorption levels of other ingredients while prolonging their action. In addition, thanks to the antiseptic properties of tripotassium phosphate, it is used as a preservative booster which is especially effective in a combination of fatty acids used in creams, moisturizing oils, and masks.

Synonyms
Monobasic Potassium Phosphate
Potassium Phosphate, Monobasic
Kalii Dihydrogenophosphas

Related ingredients

Ammonium Lactate
Ammonium Lactate
This food-grade ingredient is valued for its humectant and skin conditioning effects and is used as an anionic surfactant.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is another good ingredient for oily and problem skin or a skin with rosacea. It helps to prevent inflammation and their marks, soothes, relieves redness and swelling.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid
Citric Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in many fruits. It has a polar molecule and able to disrupt the coherence of corneocytes of the epidermis. This process called the chemical peeling type of exfoliation eliminating dull and old cells from the skin surface.
Glycine
Glycine
Glycine is a small-molecule nonessential amino acid. It's a proteinogenic amino acid, an important precursor of collagen which contains about 35% glycine in the chain.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid
Glycolic Acid is a alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It dissolves and whisks away surface dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, healthier, more vibrant complexion.
Malic Acid
Malic Acid
Malic Acid is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) found in fruits. It is able to interrupt the attachment of corneocytes of the epidermis and exfoliate dull and old cells from the surface of the skin.
Sebacic acid
Sebacic acid
In vitro studies showed that Sebacic acid can cross-link with collagen type I and improve its mechanical properties. Thus, besides moisturizers, it is used in formulas to improve the skin's elasticity and surface texture, minimizing the appearance of blemishes and breakouts.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate is a common name for sodium salts (monosodium, disodium, or trisodium citrate) of citric acid is used as a food-grade preservative.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is one of the strongest alkali bases used for pH balance control in skin and hair care applications.
Sodium Lactate
Sodium Lactate
It is widely used in skin and hair care preparations thanks to numerous beneficial actions, including humectant, buffering, antiseptic, energizing, thickener, emollient, and preservative.
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium Phosphate salts are safe food-grade ingredients used in skin care products for pH adjustment, preservation, penetration enhancement, and emulsion stabilization.
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is an organic amine with three hydroxy groups; thus, it is also a triol. It's a multifunctional ingredient in skin care formulations that acts as an oil-in-water emulsifier, solubilizer, and surfactant.