Stearalkonium chloride is a type of
benzalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride (BZK, BKC, BAK, BAC), also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC) and by the trade name Zephiran, is a type of cationic surfactant. It is an organic salt classified as a quaternary ammonium compound. ADBACs hav ...
which is used as an anti-static agent, a
surfactant
Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or interfacial tension between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming ...
and an
antimicrobial
An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, and antifungals ar ...
.
It is an ingredient in some cosmetics and hair care products, particularly
conditioners
A conditioner is something that betterment, improves the quality of another material.
Conditioner may more specifically refer to:
* Conditioner (chemistry)
* Conditioner (farming)
* Air conditioner
* Fabric conditioner
* Hair conditioner
* Leathe ...
.
It was originally designed by the fabric industry for use as a fabric softener.
Toxicology studies have determined that stearalkonium chloride is safe and non-toxic at the concentrations typically used in cosmetic products (0.1 to 5%).
At higher concentrations (25% solution), it has been shown to cause minor skin and eye irritation in animals.
See also
*
* , an alternative preservative for contact lens solutions
*
*
*
References
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Cosmetics chemicals
Cationic surfactants
Benzyl compounds
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