Fact Sheet: Benzalkonium Chloride

INCI name:   Benzalkonium Chloride.

Function:   Antimicrobial, antistatic, preservative, deodorant, surfactant, dispersion of surface agents.

Origin:   Synthetic.

Concentration allowed by the EU regulation:   Up to 3% in finished cosmetic products. Up to 0.1% in finished cosmetic products as a preservative. In the finished product, the concentrations of benzalkonium chloride, bromide and saccharinate, whose alkyl chain is equal to or less than C14, must not exceed 0.1%.

Where to find it / Where they are found?:   Baby wipes, deodorants, styling creams/lotions, fixing waxes, hair sprays, shower gels, face creams, solid soaps, facial cleansers, make-up removers, hand creams, scrubs, foundations, hair serums, face serums, tonics.

Health risks:   Potential allergen, potential skin irritant.

Environmental risks:   Aquatic ecotoxicity.

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Additional information:   /