What is Tricalcium Phosphate?
Tricalcium Phosphate, also known as Tricalcium bis(orthophosphate), is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly found in nature. It is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid and is one of the main components of bone ash. This ingredient is also known by other names such as Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic, and Bone Phosphate.
The use of Tricalcium Phosphate in cosmetics dates back to the early 20th century. It was initially used in toothpaste as an abrasive agent to help remove plaque and tartar. Over time, its use expanded to other cosmetic products due to its versatile properties.
Tricalcium Phosphate is produced synthetically for commercial use. The process involves the reaction of phosphoric acid with calcium hydroxide, resulting in a precipitate of Tricalcium Phosphate. This is then filtered, washed, and dried to produce the final product.
While Tricalcium Phosphate shares similar functions with other abrasive and anti-caking agents used in cosmetics, it stands out due to its additional properties. Unlike many other ingredients, Tricalcium Phosphate also serves as a fragrance ingredient and an opacifying agent, adding a pleasant scent and improving the appearance of cosmetic products.
Tricalcium Phosphate is typically used in a wide range of cosmetic products. These include moisturizers, where it helps to improve the texture and feel of the product, and serums, where it acts as an anti-caking agent to prevent the product from clumping. It is also commonly found in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash due to its abrasive properties, which help to clean and whiten teeth.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Tricalcium Phosphate:
Abrasive
As an abrasive, Tricalcium Phosphate is used to create a scrubbing or polishing effect in cosmetic products. This ingredient can help remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin’s surface, leaving it smoother and cleaner. It’s often found in exfoliating products like facial scrubs and body washes.
Anticaking
Tricalcium Phosphate is also used as an anticaking agent in cosmetics. This means it prevents the ingredients in a product from clumping together, ensuring a smooth and even application. This is particularly useful in products like powders and mineral makeup, where a smooth, even texture is essential for a flawless finish.
Fragrance
While not a fragrance itself, Tricalcium Phosphate can be used to carry and stabilize fragrances in cosmetic products. This helps to ensure that the scent of the product remains consistent and lasts longer on the skin.
Opacifying
As an opacifying agent, Tricalcium Phosphate can make a product more opaque, reducing its transparency or translucency. This can enhance the appearance of the product and can also provide a more even coverage when applied to the skin, as seen in products like foundations and concealers.
Oral Care
In the context of oral care, Tricalcium Phosphate is often used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Its abrasive properties help to clean and whiten teeth, while its anticaking properties ensure the product maintains a smooth consistency.
Please note that these benefits are exclusively based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Tricalcium Phosphate. There may be other benefits and uses that go beyond the scope of these official functions.
Safety Profile
Tricalcium Phosphate is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for everyone and could potentially cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Potential side effects of topical application of Tricalcium Phosphate include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently insufficient data on the safety of topical usage of Tricalcium Phosphate during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Side effects or adverse reactions from Tricalcium Phosphate are not common, but they can occur. It is always recommended to perform a patch test before using any product containing this ingredient on a larger area of skin.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources that include the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other various publicly available sources.
