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Moumoujus

POLYPERFLUOROETHOXYMETHOXY PEG-2 PHOSPHATE.

Avoid CAS 162567-74-0 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

POLYPERFLUOROETHOXYMETHOXY PEG-2 PHOSPHATE is a synthetic polymer that functions as both a skin and hair conditioning agent. It provides emollient properties, helps form a protective film to aid moisture retention, and is noted for its water and oil repellency characteristics. This ingredient also acts as an emulsifier and can enhance the delivery of other ingredients.

Summary

Hair Conditioning Skin Conditioning Emulsifying Cleansing Emollient Film Former Ingredient Delivery Enhancer Water/Oil Repellency

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient primarily acts as a skin conditioning agent, contributing to the maintenance of healthy skin. As a derivative of polyethylene glycol (PEG), it offers emollient benefits, stabilizes emulsions, and can facilitate the penetration of other active compounds. Additionally, it forms a thin film on the skin's surface, which helps to retain moisture and impart hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

0.5%-5.0% for water repellency

Key findings

  1. 01 A study demonstrated that this ingredient exhibits water/oil repellency, with an effective concentration range between 0.5% and 5.0%. Concentrations below 0.5% yielded inconclusive water repellency, while concentrations exceeding 5.0% potentially reduced this effect.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted

Respiratory concerns have been noted for this ingredient, particularly when present in inhalable forms such as sprays or powders. This potential risk is a contributing factor to its classification as unacceptable for EWG VERIFIED products.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 2 – 3.5
0 7 14

Stability

Unneutralized solutions of PFPE phosphate typically present a low pH, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0. Hydroalcoholic solutions containing this ingredient achieve peak water repellency performance when maintained at a pH below 3.5.

Conflicts

  • Potential contamination with Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane (as identified by EWG for the ingredient class).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that data were insufficient to establish the safety of 'fluorinated polyethers,' a category encompassing this ingredient. Identified as a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS), it is deemed 'unacceptable for use in EWG VERIFIED products' due to potential respiratory concerns from inhalation (e.g., in sprays or powders) and risks of contamination with Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane. Furthermore, certain PFAS are banned or deemed unsafe in cosmetics by California. Conversely, the FDA has determined 'Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy PEG-2 Phosphate' to be safe for general or specific, limited applications in food.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its conditioning and repellency benefits, the ingredient's classification as a PFAS, insufficient safety data from CIR, and potential for respiratory concerns warrant its avoidance in precision skincare formulations.

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