Behenalkonium Chloride

AKA: 16841-14-8, Benzyldocosyldimethylammonium chloride, GENAMIN KDB, Ammonium, INCROQUAT B 65C, Benzyl docosyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, DIMETHYLBENZYLBEHENYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
Benzyldocosyldimethylammonium chloride
Formula
C31H58ClN
Mol. Weight
480.20
CAS #
16841-14-8
Form
Liquid
Functions
Antistatic
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Reduces Static
Conditions Hair
Cleansing Surfactant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
Traditional Use
A synthetic quaternary ammonium salt developed in the 20th century. Created as a conditioning and antistatic agent for hair care products, replacing natural plant-derived alternatives.
EWG
4
CIR
Insufficient data
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-4
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR