A quaternary ammonium compound used as a preservative and conditioning agent.
What it is
Benzalkonium chloride is a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides, a type of cationic quaternary ammonium compound. CosIng lists it as antimicrobial, antistatic, deodorant, preservative and dispersing surfactant. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives) and in Annex III (restricted substances) for rinse-off hair products, with a condition to avoid contact with the eyes.
Where it is used
Used in hair conditioners, shampoos, deodorants, cleansers and other products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits, which depend on whether it is used as a preservative or for another purpose. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Deodorant
- Reducing and/or eluminating unpleasant odour. Contributing against the formation of malodour on body surfaces.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
- Surfactant – dispersing
- Helping distribute an insoluble solid in a liquid phase.
EU regulation
- Product type
- Rinse-off hair (head) products
- Maximum concentration
- 3% (as benzalkonium chloride)
- Conditions and warnings
- Avoid contact with the eyes
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
- Maximum concentration
- 0.1% (as benzalkonium chloride)
- Conditions and warnings
- Avoid contact with eyes
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (30)
- Frozen & Fuller Looking Brow Trio – Ebony · Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Sculpted Brow & Lash Duo · Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Lifted & Defined Brow Duo · Anastasia Beverly Hills
- Sculpted & Defined Brow Trio · Anastasia Beverly Hills
- OSiS Rock Hard 150ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- OSiS Rock Hard 150 ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- Saline Nasal Spray · up & up
- Be Fresh · Wet Ones
- Anti-bacterial wipes · Brightspots
- Bionsen Purity Hand Sanitiser Spray · Bionsen Purity
- Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash · Neutrogena
- Bebak Güneş Bakım Sütü Kakao Özlü · Bebak