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Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride suppliers and sourcing guide

Benzalkonium chloride is a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides, a cationic quaternary ammonium compound, with alkyl chains mostly from C12 to C16 or C18. It is made by reacting fatty alkyldimethylamines with benzyl chloride. Brands buy it as 50% or 80% aqueous solutions or as a solid for preservative use, antiseptic hand products and rinse-off hair conditioners.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
BKC · BAC · Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride · CAS 8001-54-5
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of benzalkonium chloride

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • 50% solution

    The most common form, an aqueous solution that is easy to dose.

  • 80% concentrate

    Higher-strength solution, often with some alcohol, for lower freight cost.

  • Pharmacopeial grade

    USP-NF or Ph. Eur. material with a controlled alkyl chain distribution, used for drug and antiseptic products.

  • Chain-length grades

    Grades rich in C12 to C14 for preservative and antiseptic use, or in C16 and longer chains for hair conditioning.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Total alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride by two-phase titration or HPLC.
Alkyl chain distribution
Proportions of C12, C14 and C16 homologs by HPLC, which set the regulatory category and performance.
Free amines and amine salts
Unreacted alkyldimethylamine content by titration.
Residue on ignition and water
Inorganic residue and water content.
pH and appearance
pH of a dilution and color or clarity of the solution.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store benzalkonium chloride closed in plastic or lined containers at moderate temperature; concentrates can gel or separate in the cold and should be warmed and mixed before sampling. It is corrosive to eyes and skin at use strength, so handle with protection. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay and chain-length distribution for each lot, since both affect use level and which regulatory limit applies. Note solution strength on the batch record and recalculate charges if it differs from the target.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist restricts benzalkonium chloride to 0.1% as a preservative (chain lengths of 14 carbons or fewer) and 3% as a conditioning agent in rinse-off hair care products (chain lengths of 16 carbons or more).

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Antiseptic Skin Cleansers monograph lists benzalkonium chloride at 0.1 to 0.15% as a medicinal ingredient.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Benzalkonium chloride suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking benzalkonium chloride suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of benzalkonium chloride can brands buy?

Common forms include 50% solution, 80% concentrate, pharmacopeial grade and chain-length grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for benzalkonium chloride include?

Expect assay, alkyl chain distribution, free amines and amine salts, residue on ignition and water and pH and appearance, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should benzalkonium chloride be stored?

Store benzalkonium chloride closed in plastic or lined containers at moderate temperature; concentrates can gel or separate in the cold and should be warmed and mixed before sampling. It is corrosive to eyes and skin at use strength, so handle with protection. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of benzalkonium chloride?

Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist restricts benzalkonium chloride to 0.1% as a preservative (chain lengths of 14 carbons or fewer) and 3% as a conditioning agent in rinse-off hair care products (chain lengths of 16 carbons or more). Health Canada's Antiseptic Skin Cleansers monograph lists benzalkonium chloride at 0.1 to 0.15% as a medicinal ingredient.

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