Stearyltrimethylammonium chloride

Stearyltrimethylammonium Chloride (CAS 112-03-8, EC 203-929-1) is a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant commercially known under trade names including Arquad 18, Aliquat 7, and Steartrimonium Chloride. It carries no assigned E-code and is identified under HS code 29239000.

In hair care formulations, its positively charged nitrogen head bonds electrostatically to negatively charged, damaged hair fibre, reducing static and improving combability. In textile processing, it functions as a softening and antistatic agent by adsorbing onto fibre surfaces. Its quaternary ammonium structure also delivers documented antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria, making it applicable in water treatment and preservation systems.

This material is supplied in powder and cream forms and is available in cosmetic and industrial grades compliant with REACH registration requirements. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against relevant regional cosmetic regulations, including EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Standard packaging formats include fibre drums and bags.