Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientConditioning AgentINCI: Behentrimonium Chloride
Behentrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt derived from rapeseed oil (behenic acid). It is primarily used as a hair conditioning agent and antistatic, reducing static and making hair easier to comb. In skincare, it can function as an emulsifier and mild preservative. It is one of the gentler quaternary ammonium compounds due to its long C22 alkyl chain.
Category
Conditioning Agent
Irritation Risk
Medium
Skin Types
all hair types, dry hair, tangled hair, colour-treated hair
hair conditioning, antistatic, detangling, emulsifying, mild preservative
As a cationic surfactant, behentrimonium chloride can be irritating at higher concentrations, particularly in leave-on products. EU CosIng restricts it under Annex V/44 for preservative use. The SCCS (opinion 1246/09) has assessed alkyl trimethylammonium chlorides and sets maximum concentration limits. At typical rinse-off concentrations it is generally well tolerated.
Behentrimonium chloride does not increase photosensitivity.
Behentrimonium chloride is primarily used in rinse-off hair products with minimal skin contact and absorption. No reproductive or developmental concerns are noted in available safety data.
Behentrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt derived from rapeseed oil (behenic acid). It is primarily used as a hair conditioning agent and antistatic, reducing static and making hair easier to comb. In skincare, it can function as an emulsifier and mild preservative. It is one of the gentler quaternary ammonium compounds due to its long C22 alkyl chain.
Individuals with sensitive scalp at high concentrations, known quaternary ammonium allergy should review the considerations above before use.
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