At a glance
- CAS number
- 112-02-7
- INCI name
- Cetrimonium Chloride
- Function
- surfactant, conditioning agent, antistatic, preservative booster
- Typical use level
- 0.25%–5%
- Solubility
- water
- Stable pH
- 3–7
CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.
Also known as
CTAC Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Chloride Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride N-Cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride
Compatibility
Works well with:
Cetyl Alcohol Behentrimonium Chloride Stearyl Alcohol Panthenol Hydrolyzed Keratin Dimethicone
Use caution with:
Anionic surfactants Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Carbomer Sodium Laureth Sulfate
As a cationic quaternary ammonium compound, cetrimonium chloride is incompatible with anionic surfactants and anionic polymers such as Carbomer, which can cause precipitation or loss of conditioning efficacy. It pairs well with other cationic or nonionic ingredients, particularly fatty alcohols in rinse-off conditioner systems. Formulators should confirm system pH stays below 7 for optimal stability and performance.
Formulation notes
Cetrimonium chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium salt widely used in hair conditioners, detanglers, and rinse-off treatments for its strong substantivity to negatively charged hair fibers, delivering detangling, antistatic, and conditioning benefits. It also exhibits antimicrobial activity, making it useful as a preservative booster at lower concentrations. At concentrations above 0.25% it is restricted or regulated in leave-on products in some markets (EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V), so formulators should verify applicable regulatory limits for product type and region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cetrimonium Chloride?
Cetrimonium Chloride is a surfactant, conditioning agent, antistatic, preservative booster used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.25%–5%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 3–7 range.
What is Cetrimonium Chloride used for?
Cetrimonium Chloride is used as surfactant, conditioning agent, antistatic, preservative booster in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
What is the typical use level of Cetrimonium Chloride?
Cetrimonium Chloride is typically used at 0.25%–5% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.
What is the CAS number of Cetrimonium Chloride?
The CAS registry number for Cetrimonium Chloride is 112-02-7. Its INCI name is Cetrimonium Chloride.
At what pH is Cetrimonium Chloride stable?
Cetrimonium Chloride is generally stable in the pH 3–7 range.
What ingredients are compatible with Cetrimonium Chloride?
Cetrimonium Chloride works well with Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Dimethicone. Use caution when combining it with Anionic surfactants, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Related ingredients
- Cocamidopropyl BetaineSurfactant
- Behentrimonium MethosulfateEmulsifier
- Polyquaternium-10Film Former
- Coco-GlucosideSurfactant
- Lauryl GlucosideSurfactant
- Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateSurfactant