Sodium Phosphate Average Cleansing Agent No known benefits Sodium Phosphate at a glance Synthetic phosphorous compound Has wetting and cleansing properties Commonly used in blends to keep ingredients mixed Considered safe as used in cosmetics Sodium Phosphate description Sodium phosphate is a synthetic phosphorus compound (chemicals containing the non-metallic element phosphorus as their central atom) primarily used in cosmetics for its wetting, emulsifying, thickening and cleansing properties. It’s supplied as a powder and considered safe and non-irritating for skin when mixed with water. This ingredient has buffering properties, which means it can help keep the pH of products balanced via keeping the acidity to alkalinity rate constant. Sodium phosphate is commonly used to keep blends of ingredients mixed together and/or to help “wet” them for easier incorporation into a formula or to improve product slip and penetration. Use levels of sodium phosphate in cosmetics tend to be 0.086% or lower, depending on formulary needs and other ingredients with the same or similar functions. Of note, sodium phosphate is also considered safe for use in foods. Related ingredients: Disodium Phosphate Potassium Phosphate