Common Name(s): Ammonium perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate,fluorinated surfactant c6-16,pfas-class surfactant
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Makes makeup resist water and oil for longer-wearing coverage and helps control shine.
Why It's Used: Used in long-wear color cosmetics and powders to provide both water and oil repellency through the unique omniphobic properties of fluorinated carbon chains.
How It Works: Perfluoroalkyl chains (c6โc16) have both hydrophobic and oleophobic character due to very low surface energy of c-f bonds; phosphate head enables adsorption to pigment and skin surfaces.
Typically Found In: Long-wear foundations,waterproof mascara,setting powders,sunscreen with color
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ film former
Secondary Functions: Adhesion promoting,surfactant,water/oil repellency
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2% (surface treatment)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic fluorinated organic; ammonium salt of perfluoroalkyl phosphate ester.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low-moderate
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Pfas-class ingredient: under increasing regulatory scrutiny globally. c6 fluorocarbon precursors have reduced pfoa potential but environmental persistence concerns remain. regulatory status varies by region.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional โ regulatory status evolving
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. evolving regulatory position on pfas class; check local regulations. ewg score: 3โ6.
Works Well With: Mineral pigments,silicone bases,waxes in color cosmetics
Avoid Combining With: Avoid in formulas intended for clean beauty or pfas-free certification
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Pfas (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) provide the lowest surface energy of any organic material (c-f bonds); c6-based variants replaced longer-chain c8 pfoa precursors following fda/epa restrictions; continued environmental persistence concerns are driving reformulation toward fluorine-free alternatives in eu and california.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu reach pfas restrictions,fda pfas guidance,inci dictionary