PENTAPOTASSIUM TRIPHOSPHATE

Also known as: Pentapotassium Triphosphate

INCI: PENTAPOTASSIUM TRIPHOSPHATE | Function: Buffering Agent, Chelating Agent | Type: Synthetic phosphate salt (chelating/buffering)

What Is PENTAPOTASSIUM TRIPHOSPHATE?

Pentapotassium Triphosphate is a potassium salt of triphosphoric acid. It functions as a pH buffer, chelating agent, and water softener in rinse-off personal care products. It helps maintain optimal pH and prevents hard water minerals from interfering with cleansing.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Effective pH buffering for cleansers and soaps
+ Water softening — improves foam in hard water
+ Chelates calcium and magnesium ions
+ Enhances cleansing efficacy

Pros

+ Good pH buffer for alkaline formulations
+ Improves product performance in hard water
+ Cost-effective

Cons

− Rinse-off only — not for leave-on products
− Synthetic phosphate — environmental concerns (eutrophication)
− Can be drying at high concentrations

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	2/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	3/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Bar soap	0.5 - 2%
Body wash	0.3 - 1.5%
Shampoo	0.2 - 1%

References

CIR — Safety Assessment of phosphates. PMID: 11444224
EU CosIng Database — Listed as buffering/chelating.
SpecialChem — Phosphate salt cosmetic ingredient

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