Potassium Phosphate
Mineral potassium-based pH buffer. Analogous to sodium phosphates but with a milder profile for very sensitive skin. Used at 0.05-0.5%. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Potassium Phosphate is an inorganic potassium salt of orthophosphoric acid; in cosmetics it usually appears as Tripotassium Phosphate (K3PO4) or Dipotassium Phosphate (K2HPO4). INCI: Potassium Phosphate. Some labels show the specific form. In cosmetics it works as a pH buffer. Functionally equivalent to disodium phosphate but adds slightly less hardness to the formula and is considered more compatible with very sensitive skin. Use levels are 0.05-0.5%. It appears in formulas with vitamin C, AHAs, niacinamide, peptides – anywhere a stable pH is needed. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. Potassium phosphate is used as an electrolyte additive in pharmacology and nutrition. No teratogenic effects. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Unlike potassium chlorides, phosphate salts do not leave salt residue on the skin after drying. Comparison with sodium analogues. Sodium and potassium phosphates are functionally almost identical. The potassium form is chosen for low-sodium formulas, low-sodium baby products, and brands aiming at an ultra-mineral clean image. Potassium phosphates are 30-50% more expensive than sodium ones. No standalone active effects. This is a background pH stabilizer without penetrating activity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Potassium Phosphate safe during pregnancy?
Potassium Phosphate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Potassium Phosphate for?
Potassium Phosphate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Potassium Phosphate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Mineral potassium-based pH buffer.
Is Potassium Phosphate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Potassium Phosphate?
The INCI name is Potassium Phosphate. It may also appear as: Tripotassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate.
See Potassium Phosphate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Thiocyanate, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PPG-1 Trideceth-13, Talc, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Gellan Gum, Oxidized Starch Acetate
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