Database/Emulsifying Surfactant/Dilaureth-4 Phosphate
Mostly natural · ISO 16128

Is Dilaureth-4 Phosphate natural?

Mostly. Two lauryl-ethoxylate chains (oleochemical alcohol, petrochemical EO) are joined to one natural phosphate core as a diester.

INCI nameDilaureth-4 Phosphate
FunctionEmulsifying Surfactant · Cleansing Surfactant
FeedstockMade by ethoxylating oleochemical lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with…

How we scored it

2x[Lauryl C12H26O 186.3 Da natural + 4 EO 176.2 Da petrochemical] diesterified with phosphoric acid (~64 Da natural core) → natural 436.7/total 789.1 ≈ 0.55.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Made by ethoxylating oleochemical lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with 4 moles ethylene oxide, then diesterifying with phosphoric acid. Lauryl alcohol is typically coconut/palm-kernel derived.

In plain English

An emulsifying, cleansing ingredient made from coconut-derived lauryl alcohol, ethylene oxide and mineral phosphate. Helps oil and water blend together and helps formulas cleanse.

CosIng definition: Dodecanol, ethoxylated, phosphoric acid diester (4 mol EO average molar ratio)

Natural alternatives with the same function

Arachidic Acid 100% natural origin

A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…

 Arachidyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A gentle, sugar-based emulsifier used in creams and lotions to stabilize formulas without harsh surfactants. It's made from…

 Behenic Acid 100% natural origin

A long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…

 C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A mild, sugar-based cleansing and emulsifying surfactant made by combining plant-derived fatty alcohols (coconut/palm) with glucose from starch.…

 C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural origin

A mild, sugar-based cleansing ingredient made from coconut or palm fatty alcohols and glucose; helps cleanse skin and…

 C18-36 Acid 100% natural origin

A blend of long-chain plant fatty acids used as a mild cleanser and thickener, giving body and a…

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2DILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3DILAURETH-4 PHOSPHATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=DILAURETH-4%20PHOSPHATE