Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate

What Is It?

Calcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate and Tricalcium Phosphate are all calcium salts of phosphoric acid. Calcium, Dicalcium and Tricalcium Phosphate are also known as monobasic, dibasic and tribasic Calcium Phosphate, respectively. When two water molecules are bound to Dicalcium Phosphate it is called Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate. In cosmetics and personal care products, the Calcium Phosphate ingredients are used in the formulation of blushers, dentifrices, eye makeup, eyeliners, face powders, foundations, lipsticks, other makeup products and skin care products.

Why Is It Used?

The following functions have been reported for the Calcium Phosphate ingredients.

AbrasiveIngredients used for abrading, smoothing or polishing, such as emery or pumice. – Calcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Tricalcium Phosphate
Buffering agentIngredients that minimize the change in the pH of a solution when an acid or a base is added to the solution. – Calcium Phosphate
Bulking agentNon-reactive, solid ingredients that are used to dilute other solids, or to increase the volume of a product. – Calcium Phosphate
Opacifying agentSubstances that reduce the clear or transparent appearance of cosmetic products. Some opacifying agents are used in skin make-up for hiding blemishes. – Dicalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Tricalcium Phosphate
Oral care agentIngredients that polish the teeth, reduce oral odor, or otherwise cleanse or deodorize the teeth and mouth. – Calcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Tricalcium Phosphate

Scientific Facts

Calcium Phosphate is often used as a dietary supplement in prepared breakfast cereals, enriched flour and noodle products.

Safety Information

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Calcium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic) on its list of food substances considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS“GRAS” is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized As Safe. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excluded from the definition of a food additive.). Calcium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic) is also approved for use in Over-the-Counter (OTC) antacid drug products. The Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel has deferred evaluation of the Calcium Phosphate ingredients because the safety has been assessed by FDA. This deferral of review is according to the provisions of the CIR Procedures.

The FDA’s Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) concluded that there was no evidence in the available information on Calcium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic) that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public when it is used at levels that are now current or might reasonably be expected in the future.

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Calcium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic)

Calcium Phosphate (mono-, di- and tribasic) may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

More Scientific Information

Calcium Phosphates are a family of minerals containing calcium ions and phosphate ions.

Resources

Find out more about the regulation of Food Additives by the Food and Drug Administration

Find out more about the regulation of Over-the-Counter drugs by the Food and Drug Administration