Cetrimonium Chloride
What Cetrimonium Chloride is & what it does
Cetrimonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound, a type of cationic (positively charged) surfactant. In cosmetic formulas it is used as an antistatic and conditioning agent, most often in hair products, and it can also serve as a preservative and emulsifier in small amounts. Its positive charge helps it cling to skin and hair surfaces, which is the basis of its conditioning effect.
What does Cetrimonium Chloride do in skincare?
Cetrimonium Chloride is a cationic (positively charged) ingredient used as an antistatic and conditioning agent, most often in hair products. It can also act as an emulsifier or mild preservative in small amounts. Its positive charge helps it cling to skin and hair surfaces to deliver a conditioning effect.
Is Cetrimonium Chloride safe?
Cetrimonium Chloride is widely used in conditioners and other personal care products at low concentrations, where it is generally well tolerated. At higher levels it can be irritating, which is why formulators keep it to small amounts. People with sensitive skin may want to patch test products that contain it.
Is Cetrimonium Chloride natural or synthetic?
Cetrimonium Chloride is a synthetic ingredient, a quaternary ammonium compound made through chemical processing. It is manufactured to provide consistent conditioning and antistatic performance. It is not found in this form in nature.
Sunscreens with Cetrimonium Chloride
We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:
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AA LAAB Ultra Light Gel SPF 50
91/100
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Codexial Effasun Post-Acte SPF 50+
86/100
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Dermedic Melumin Depigmenting Brightening Protective Day Cream SPF 50+
75/100
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Bioderma Sensibio Ar BB Cream SPF 30
73/100
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Marc jacobs beauty Shameless Youthful-Look 24-Hour Foundation Spf 25
68/100
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ESPA Optimal Skin ProDefence SPF 15
63/100
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Clinique For Men™ Broad Spectrum Spf 21 Moisturizer
60/100
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Zena Sun Block Cream SPF 50+ Pa+++
53/100