Cetrimonium chloride
Cetrimonium Chloride is a synthetic ingredient belonging to the family of cationic surfactants. It fulfills several roles in cosmetic formulations: surfactant, emulsifier, antistatic agent, and preservative. It is commonly used in hair care products for its conditioning properties and its ability to reduce electrostatic charges.
Roles & functions
Hair conditioning — Improves the appearance, softness and manageability of the hair.
Surfactant — Lowers the tension between two surfaces; cleanses and helps remove impurities.
Emulsifying — Allows phases that do not naturally mix, such as water and oil, to be blended together.
Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.
Antistatic — Reduces static electricity, particularly on the hair.
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Autorisé sous conditions |
| CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008) | No CMR classification |
| ECHA — endocrine disruptor (human health) | Not identified as an endocrine disruptor |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | No referenced nanoform |
| European Commission — Annex III (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Permitted subject to restrictions (Annex III) — max (a) 2,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (b) 1,0% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (c) 0,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride in (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Leave-on hair products (c) Leave-on face products — For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. The purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product. |
| European Commission — Annex V (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Authorised preservative (Annex V) — max 0.1 % |
Products containing it
In Lou’s database
| Most frequent categories | Hair color · Conditioner · Masks · Leave-in & oils · Oily hair |
| Most frequent brands | Herbatint · Phyto · Klorane · Luxeol · Natessance |
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