Cetylpyridinium chloride

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS 123-03-5), commonly abbreviated as CPC, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial active and preservative in pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing.

Where is Cetylpyridinium chloride used?

• Oral care: active in antiseptic mouthwashes, throat lozenges and medicated sprays that reduce oral bacterial load and control plaque
• Personal care: antimicrobial and surfactant agent in shampoos, skin cleansers and conditioning products
• Pharmaceuticals: preservative in topical formulations and active in over-the-counter antiseptics
• Industrial and cosmetic systems: dispersing and emulsifying agent
• It delivers broad-spectrum biocidal activity against bacteria, fungi and some viruses.

Good to know: Grades include USP, BP and Ph. Eur. for regulated applications; technical-grade material is available for non-regulated industrial uses.

Commercial specifications

• USP, BP, Ph. Eur. grades