BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
Benzalkonium Chloride is a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides. It is not one single molecule: the alkyl group can have different chain lengths, while the quaternary-ammonium portion carries a positive charge. That is why the name covers a group of closely related substances.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE: what it is
Benzalkonium Chloride is a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides. It is not one single molecule: the alkyl group can have different chain lengths, while the quaternary-ammonium portion carries a positive charge. That is why the name covers a group of closely related substances.
The name does not identify a plant or mineral part; it describes this family of quaternary-ammonium salts. On an ingredient list, variation among the alkyl chains in the raw material does not change the INCI name shown on the label, even though more than one closely related compound can fall under that name.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, Benzalkonium Chloride is used most directly to help preserve the formula against microorganisms. This helps a product retain its intended characteristics during its period of use, especially in water-containing preparations, but it does not make a cosmetic a treatment for skin or scalp conditions.
It can also reduce static electricity on surfaces such as hair, help disperse ingredients through a mixture, and be used in products intended to control odour. For a user, less static can mean fewer flyaway hairs, while dispersion helps keep ingredients evenly distributed in the preparation. The noticeable result varies with the amount used and with how the product is prepared.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE: conditions and care
In European Union cosmetics, when used as a preservative, Benzalkonium Chloride has a maximum concentration of 0.1%, calculated as benzalkonium chloride.
Restrictions and conditions of use
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
