Dodecylhexadecyltrimonium Chloride

AKA: Tetrasal, Quartamin 280GP, 103807-18-7, (2-Dodecylhexadecyl)trimethylammonium chloride, N-(2-dodecyl)hexadecyl-N, N-trimethylammonium chloride, 1-Hexadecanaminium, 2-dodecyl-N, Chloride (1:1)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
1-Hexadecanaminium, 2-dodecyl-N,N,N-Trimethyl-, chloride
Formula
C31H66ClN
Mol. Weight
488.30
CAS #
103807-18-7
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Reduces Static
Conditions Hair
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic quaternary ammonium compound developed in the mid-20th century as a hair and skin conditioning agent. Created to replace natural conditioning substances and improve product texture and feel.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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