Stearalkonium chloride

Stearalkonium chloride (CAS 122-19-0), also known as Stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and commercially as Stebac, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a conditioning agent, antimicrobial, and antistatic surfactant.

Where is Stearalkonium chloride used?

• Hair care: primary conditioning active in rinse-off conditioners, detangling treatments and conditioning shampoos that smooths the cuticle and reduces static
• Skin care: emulsifier and feel modifier in creams and lotions
• Cosmetic preservation: quaternary biocide in preservation systems
• Biotechnology and life sciences: surface-active agent in cell culture reagents and laboratory disinfectants
• Its cationic charge drives adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces for surface modification and lubrication.

Good to know: Buyers should confirm active content and counterion purity when evaluating grades for preservation-critical formulations.

Commercial specifications

• Typically 50% or 75% active
• Cosmetic/personal care grade meeting purity specifications