Tea-dimethicone copolyol phosphates (inci)

"TEA" is the acronym for triethanolamine, a quaternary ammonium compound. Triethanolamine reacts easily with fatty acids to form triethanolamine soaps and is used as a basic component in soaps and other cosmetic products. Dimethicone copolyol is a general term for a group of polymers that are formed by a compound of dimethicone and polyoxyethylene and/or polyoxypropylene. Phosphates are the salt of phosphoric acid.

TEA-dimethicone copolyol phosphate is a substance which is used in cosmetic formulations where it acts as a surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of products during application) and humectant (preserves skin moisture or binds moisture in cosmetic products).