
General Description
Orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid with strong acidic properties. It is widely used in various industries, including cosmetics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Known for its ability to regulate pH levels, it is a key ingredient in many formulations. Businesses looking to buy orthophosphoric acid for industrial or cosmetic applications can find it available in bulk sales, wholesale, and manufacturing supply chains.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry
Orthophosphoric acid is commonly used in the cosmetic industry as a pH adjuster and buffering agent. It helps maintain product stability and enhances the effectiveness of skincare and haircare formulations. Some of the key applications include:
- Facial cleansers and exfoliants – Used to remove dead skin cells and improve texture.
- Hair dyes and treatments – Helps maintain color stability and formulation integrity.
- Oral care products – Found in certain mouthwashes and toothpaste for its antibacterial properties.
Manufacturers and suppliers often sell orthophosphoric acid wholesale for large-scale production in beauty and personal care formulations.
Side Effects
Although orthophosphoric acid is safe in regulated concentrations, excessive exposure may lead to:
- Skin irritation – Can cause mild to moderate irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Eye irritation – Direct contact may lead to redness and discomfort.
- Oral sensitivity – High concentrations in oral care products may lead to enamel erosion over time.
Those handling orthophosphoric acid in cosmetic production should follow proper safety protocols. Buying from trusted manufacturers ensures the quality and safety of the ingredient in formulations.
Hazards
Orthophosphoric acid is a corrosive substance, requiring careful handling.
Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in vapor form.
Improper storage in high temperatures can lead to product degradation.
Must be handled using protective gloves and eyewear in manufacturing environments.
For businesses looking to buy orthophosphoric acid in bulk for cosmetic, industrial, or pharmaceutical applications, it is essential to source from reputable wholesale suppliers and manufacturers to ensure compliance with industry standards.
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
INCI: Othrophosphoric acid
Composition: Ortho-phosphoric acid is composed of hydrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is H3PO4, indicating three hydrogen atoms, one phosphorus atom, and four oxygen atoms.
Purity Grade: No purity grade applicable
Appearance: Ortho-phosphoric acid is typically a clear, colorless liquid with a syrupy consistency.
Solubility: Ortho-phosphoric acid is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly acidic solution.
Preservation: Ortho-phosphoric acid itself has preservative properties due to its acidic nature. However, additional preservatives may be required depending on the formulation and application of the product containing it.
Storage: Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature
Raw Material Source: Ortho-phosphoric acid is primarily derived from phosphate rock through a chemical process that
involves treating the rock with sulfuric acid. Phosphate rock is a finite natural resource primarily found in sedimentary marine deposits.
Manufacture: Ortho-phosphoric acid is commonly manufactured through the wet process or the thermal process. In the wet process, phosphate rock is treated with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid. The thermal process involves the
combustion of phosphorus to produce phosphorus pentoxide, which is then dissolved in water to form phosphoric acid.
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components)
Vegan: Does not contain animal-derived components
Proposition: ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID complies with relevant regulations and guidelines
Warning: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Use appropriate protective equipment when handling.
THE STORY OF ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID
Orthophosphoric Acid: Precision pH Control for Safe, Stable Formulations
Orthophosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) is a high-purity inorganic acid widely used in cosmetic formulations for its precise pH-adjusting and buffering capabilities. It enhances stability, improves preservative efficiency, and ensures safe product performance—making it a key ingredient in modern formulation chemistry.
Manufactured with Precision from High-Purity Mineral Sources
Derived from refined phosphate minerals, Orthophosphoric Acid is produced through carefully controlled chemical reactions and multi-stage purification. Each batch undergoes strict filtration to meet cosmetic-grade purity standards, ensuring low impurities, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
The Backbone of pH Balance in Modern Skincare
In cosmetic applications, Orthophosphoric Acid serves as an essential pH adjuster and buffering agent. It helps maintain optimal acidity levels, enhances formulation stability, and improves preservative action. Suitable for serums, gels, exfoliants, hair products, and any formula requiring precise pH control.
Safe, Controlled, and Formulator-Friendly
Commonly used in skincare, haircare, oral-care products, and controlled exfoliating formulas.
Recommended usage: typically 0.1–1%, depending on pH requirements.
Store in corrosion-resistant containers in cool, dry conditions. Non-flammable and stable when used correctly, it is fully compliant with cosmetic safety standards and suitable for regulated formulation environments.
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Orthophosphoric Acid?
Orthophosphoric Acid, commonly known as Phosphoric Acid, is a mineral acid widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations. It functions primarily as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and exfoliant, helping to stabilize and enhance product performance.
2. What is the CAS Number and INCI Name of Orthophosphoric Acid?
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
INCI Name: Phosphoric Acid
3. What are the benefits of Orthophosphoric Acid in personal care products?
Orthophosphoric Acid provides several key benefits, including:
- pH Regulation: Helps maintain the correct pH balance in formulations.
- Exfoliation: Acts as a mild acid to promote skin renewal and remove dead skin cells.
- Product Stability: Prevents unwanted chemical reactions and maintains formulation integrity.
- Metal Ion Control: Helps to chelate metal ions, reducing degradation in cosmetic formulations.
4. In which personal care products is Orthophosphoric Acid commonly used?
Orthophosphoric Acid is widely used in:
- Facial peels and exfoliating products (as a pH adjuster and exfoliant)
- Shampoos and conditioners (to stabilize formulations and balance pH)
- Toothpaste and oral care products (for plaque removal and tartar control)
- Cleansers and toners (for mild exfoliation and skin clarity)
- Hair dyes and color treatments (to optimize color retention and performance)
5. Is Orthophosphoric Acid safe for skin?
Yes, Orthophosphoric Acid is considered safe when used at appropriate concentrations in personal care products. However, high concentrations can cause skin irritation, so it is typically used in diluted forms.
6. Can Orthophosphoric Acid be used in natural or organic formulations?
Since Orthophosphoric Acid is a mineral-derived acid, it is not considered a natural ingredient, but it is commonly used in clean beauty and scientifically formulated products.
7. How does Orthophosphoric Acid help in pH balancing?
Orthophosphoric Acid adjusts the acidity or alkalinity of a formulation, ensuring that products remain stable and effective for their intended use.
8. Does Orthophosphoric Acid have any exfoliating properties?
Yes, due to its acidic nature, it can help remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal when used in facial peels and exfoliating treatments.
9. What precautions should be taken when handling Orthophosphoric Acid?
When using high concentrations, it is important to handle it with care, as it can be corrosive in its pure form. In personal care formulations, it is used in safe, controlled amounts to avoid irritation.
10. How should Orthophosphoric Acid be stored?
Store Orthophosphoric Acid in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, in a well-sealed container to prevent contamination or degradation.