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Distearyldimonium Chloride

What Distearyldimonium Chloride is & what it does

Distearyldimonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound (a "quat") derived from stearic-type fatty chains. In cosmetic formulas it acts mainly as an antistatic and conditioning agent and can also help stabilize emulsions, so it is most common in hair conditioners and some creams. Being cationic, it is attracted to negatively charged surfaces, which is what lets it deposit a conditioning film.

What does Distearyldimonium Chloride do in skincare?

Distearyldimonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound used mainly as an antistatic and conditioning agent, and it can also help stabilize emulsions. It is most common in hair conditioners and some creams. Its cationic nature lets it deposit a smoothing, conditioning film.

Is Distearyldimonium Chloride safe?

Distearyldimonium Chloride is a widely used conditioning agent considered suitable for cosmetic use at the typical levels found in products. As a cationic surfactant it can be irritating at high concentrations, so it is used in controlled amounts. If you have sensitive skin, a patch test is sensible.

Is Distearyldimonium Chloride natural or synthetic?

Distearyldimonium Chloride is a synthetic ingredient, a quaternary ammonium compound built on fatty (stearyl-type) chains. The fatty portion may be sourced from vegetable or animal raw materials depending on the supplier. The finished molecule itself is manufactured rather than naturally occurring.

Sunscreens with Distearyldimonium Chloride

We rate 19 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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