Cetalkonium chloride

Cetalkonium chloride (CAS 122-18-9) is a quaternary ammonium compound belonging to the benzalkonium chloride family, distinguished by its C16 alkyl chain length. It carries no assigned E-code and no broadly recognised trade abbreviations, but is referenced under EC 204-526-3 in regulatory documentation across European markets.

In personal care formulations, cetalkonium chloride conditions hair by adsorbing onto negatively charged keratin surfaces, reducing static and improving combability at concentrations typically between 0.1% and 1.0%. In pharmaceutical and ophthalmic preparations, it functions as a preservative by disrupting microbial cell membranes, and in textile processing it acts as a softening agent through surface adsorption onto fibres.

Cetalkonium chloride is supplied as a white to creamy-white crystalline powder compliant with REACH registration requirements. Buyers should confirm grade suitability against Ph.Eur. or in-house specifications, as purity profiles vary between cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Standard packaging formats include fibre drums and multi-wall bags.