Cetearalkonium Bromide
AKA “Cetearalkonium Bromide, Quaternary Ammonium Salt
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Cetearalkonium bromide
AKA: Quaternary Ammonium Salt
Synthetic · Antimicrobial · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Preservative
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-(C16-18-alkyl)-, bromide Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural | Functions: Antimicrobial, Antistatic, Preservative Safety Ratings: CIR: Insufficient data EU Restriction: III/65V/54
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
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
A synthetic quaternary ammonium salt developed in the mid-20th century for use as a conditioning and antistatic agent. Created to improve the performance of hair and skincare products with better substantivity than earlier surfactants.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
3
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR