Benzalkonium Bromide
AKA “Benzododecinium bromide, Sterinol, N-Benzyl-N, N-dimethyldodecan-1-aminium bromide, Bacfor BL, Lauralkonium bromide, Sinnoquat BL 80, Sinnoquat BL 95
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Benzalkonium bromide
AKA: Benzododecinium bromide, Sterinol, N-Benzyl-N, N-dimethyldodecan-1-aminium bromide, Bacfor BL, Lauralkonium bromide, Sinnoquat BL 80, Sinnoquat BL 95
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 3
Synthetic
Preservative
Cleanser
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle preservative that keeps products fresh while helping to reduce odor and static. It also works as a natural cleanser, making it ideal for deodorants and cleansing formulas.
Formula
C21H38BrN
Mol. Weight
384.40
CAS #
91080-29-4
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Antistatic
Deodorant
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
A quaternary ammonium salt developed in the 20th century as a synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent. Created to replace natural antiseptics and provide broad-spectrum preservation in cosmetics and personal care products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
3
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
3%
0%4%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 3%. Avoid contact with the eyes Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 65
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR