Ingredient dictionary

Dipotassium Phosphate

Also listed as: Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, Potassium phosphate dibasic

Dipotassium Phosphate is a mineral salt made from potassium and phosphoric acid. In skincare it mainly helps keep a product's pH steady. It is on the label of 11 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Dipotassium Phosphate does

Keeps product pH steady
Buffers water-based formulas
Helps formulas stay stable over time

Dipotassium Phosphate is made by neutralizing phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide or a related potassium compound. The result is a white, odorless salt that dissolves easily in water. It is also used in some foods.

Formulators use it mainly as a buffer. A buffer holds pH steady, so a cleanser or lotion stays in its intended range over its shelf life. pH, which measures how acidic or basic a formula is, affects how preservatives, cleansing agents and other ingredients behave. The salt leaves no scent and adds little feel of its own.

Good for

Suits most skin types, since it is a low-key helper found in cleansers, lotions and sunscreens.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dipotassium Phosphate safe for skin?

It is generally considered well tolerated at the low levels used in cosmetics. It is a mineral salt that is also used in foods. Like any ingredient, a person with a specific sensitivity should check the full ingredient list and patch test a new product first.

Is Dipotassium Phosphate the same as potassium phosphate?

Not quite. Dipotassium Phosphate has two potassium atoms per phosphate group. Potassium phosphate monobasic and tribasic are related salts with different balances of potassium. Formulators pick the form that gives the pH they need.