Cetrimonium chloride

* A quaternary ammonium salt or QUAT.

Functions:

Mainly used to prevent static and build-up in the hair. It can also cleanse the skin/hair and eliminate odor by preventing the growth of microorganisms, and by enabling water to mix with dirt and rinse it away. In addition, by reducing the surface tension of other ingredients and working to distribute and suspend insoluble solids in liquid, it helps form emulsions. This ingredient is mainly used in hair products such as hair dye, shampoo/conditioner, styling gel, mousse, detangler, dandruff treatment and relaxer.

Safety Measures/Side Effets:

The AFH library classifies this ingredient, and all other cationic surfactants, as irritating, allergenic, toxic and lethal if orally ingested. However, it provides very little evidence to support these claims. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel also observed evidence of dermal irritation with this ingredient. However, repeated patch tests of concentrations up to .25% did not demonstrate sensitization or allergic reaction, save for some minor irritation during induction. Furthermore, dermal exposure to 2% cetrimonium chloride produced no evidence of toxicity.  As a result, the CIR Expert Panel has assessed this ingredient as safe to use in cosmetics at concentrations up to .25%. The EU Cosmetics Directive allows it to be used at a maximum concentrations of .1%.

Recommended Products w/ cetrimonium chloride:

Kronos Phyx Overnight Repair Masque ($105), Adorage Cleansing Formula ($47), Christophe Robin Creme Lavante au Citron for Color Treated Hair ($52)