A benzalkonium-type quaternary ammonium compound from coconut, regulated in Annexes III and V.
What it is
Cocoalkonium chloride is, according to CosIng, a mixture of benzyl coco-alkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, a benzalkonium-type quaternary ammonium compound with alkyl chains from coconut fatty acids. CosIng lists it as an antistatic, hair-conditioning and preservative ingredient. In the EU it is covered by entries in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) and Annex V (allowed preservatives).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of 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 and conditions, which are expressed as benzalkonium chloride and include a warning about eye contact.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- 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.
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