Octyldodecyltrimonium Chloride

AKA: Quaternary Ammonium Salt
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
1-Dodecanaminium, 2-octyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride
CAS #
-
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.
Reduces Static
Conditions Hair
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
Traditional Use
A synthetic quaternary ammonium compound developed in the mid-20th century for use as a conditioning and antistatic agent. Created as an alternative to natural conditioning agents found in traditional hair and skincare products.
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: CosIng · EWG · CIR