The Basics On Benzalkonium Chloride
What is Benzalkonium Chloride?
An organic salt classified as a quaternary ammonium compound that is the most commonly used antimicrobial preservative.
What are other names for Benzalkonium Chloride?
ALKYL DIMETHYL BENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE, BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE, BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTION, BENZYLCHLORIDE QUATERNARY SALT OF N,N’-DIMETHYLCOCOAMINE; N-COCO-N,N-DIMETHYLBENZENEMETHANAMINIUM CHLORIDE, and QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS, BENZYLCOCO ALKYLDIMETHYL, CHLORIDES
What is Benzalkonium Chloride used for?
Benzalkonium Chloride is used to prevent or inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in finished products. … Benzalkonium Chloride is a commonly used preservative in contact lens solutions and can be found as an ingredient in antimicrobial soaps, skin antiseptics, and spermicides.
How Benzalkonium Chloride is classified
Antioxidants
Recommendations for using Benzalkonium Chloride during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Benzalkonium Chloride During Pregnancy
What we know about using Benzalkonium Chloride while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
A peer-reviewed publication reports quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals.
General safety info about Benzalkonium Chloride from CIR
These ingredients are reported to function as dispersing agents-nonsurfactant, emulsion stabilizers, and viscosity increasing agents-nonaqueous. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the relevant data related to these ingredients. Information on other alkonium clayderived ingredients, including quaternium-18 bentonite and benzyl-dimethyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium montmorillonite clay, were used for inference purposes. The Panel found data on particle size distribution, stability in formulation, repeated dose inhalation, ocular irritation were still needed to determine safety. The Panel concluded that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that these alkonium clays are safe under the intended conditions of use.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Benzalkonium Chloride
Maison Louis Marie Le Bouquet Candle Trio Set;Maison Louis Marie Antidris Cassis Candle;Maison Louis Marie No. 09 Vallee de Farney Candle;Maison Louis Marie No.03 L’Etang Noir Perfume Oil;Cinema Secrets Spray Hand Sanitizer
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
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Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
