Cetrimonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride suppliers and sourcing guide
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound with a C16 (cetyl) chain. It is made by quaternizing cetyl dimethylamine, from palm or coconut fatty alcohols or from petrochemical sources, with methyl chloride. It is usually sold as an aqueous solution, often with some isopropanol, at about 25 to 30 percent active. Brands use it in hair conditioners and cream rinses for its antistatic effect, and as a cationic emulsifier.
- Also known as
- Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride · Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride · CTAC · CAS 112-02-7
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of cetrimonium chloride
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Aqueous solution (about 25 to 30%)
The usual form for personal care; easy to dose into the water phase.
Higher-active solutions
More concentrated grades in water and isopropanol, which carry flammable solvent.
Steartrimonium and behentrimonium chloride
Related quats with C18 and C22 chains; separate ingredients with their own INCI names and limits.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Active quat content
- Percent cationic active by two-phase titration against an anionic surfactant standard; it sets the use level in a formula and is the main lot-to-lot number to record.
- Free amine and amine salt
- Unquaternized amine left from manufacture, by titration, reported against the supplier's limit.
- pH
- pH of the solution as supplied or of a stated dilution.
- Color
- APHA color of the solution.
- Isopropanol content
- Solvent content by GC for grades that contain it.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store the solution sealed at room temperature, away from frost, which can cause separation, and from heat. Grades with isopropanol are flammable and need flammable-liquid storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active content for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Active content varies slightly by lot, so record it for each lot and adjust the dose to stay within the use limits. Note the solvent system on the specification, since grades with and without isopropanol are not interchangeable.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetrimonium chloride with non-medicinal purposes antistatic agent, antimicrobial preservative and emulsifying agent, for topical use when formulated to be non-irritating.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry limits cetrimonium chloride to 0.1% when used as an antimicrobial preservative, and for other purposes to 2.5% in rinse-off hair products, 1.0% in leave-on hair products and 0.5% in leave-on face products.
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.
Cetrimonium chloride suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking cetrimonium 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.
Sell cetrimonium chloride? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of cetrimonium chloride can brands buy?
Common forms include aqueous solution (about 25 to 30%), higher-active solutions and steartrimonium and behentrimonium chloride. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for cetrimonium chloride include?
Expect active quat content, free amine and amine salt, pH, color and isopropanol content, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should cetrimonium chloride be stored?
Store the solution sealed at room temperature, away from frost, which can cause separation, and from heat. Grades with isopropanol are flammable and need flammable-liquid storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active content for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of cetrimonium chloride?
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetrimonium chloride with non-medicinal purposes antistatic agent, antimicrobial preservative and emulsifying agent, for topical use when formulated to be non-irritating. The same database entry limits cetrimonium chloride to 0.1% when used as an antimicrobial preservative, and for other purposes to 2.5% in rinse-off hair products, 1.0% in leave-on hair products and 0.5% in leave-on face products.
More cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants
- GlycerinGlycerol · Glycerine
- Propylene glycol1,2-Propanediol · Propane-1,2-diol
- Butylene glycol1,3-Butanediol · 1,3-Butylene glycol
- Propanediol1,3-Propanediol · Trimethylene glycol
- Pentylene glycol1,2-Pentanediol · Pentane-1,2-diol
- Cetearyl alcoholCetostearyl alcohol · Alcohols, C16-18
- Cetyl alcohol1-Hexadecanol · Palmityl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol1-Octadecanol · Octadecyl alcohol
- Behenyl alcoholDocosanol · 1-Docosanol
- Caprylic/capric triglycerideMedium-chain triglycerides · MCT
- Isopropyl myristateIPM · Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester
- Isopropyl palmitateIPP · 1-Methylethyl hexadecanoate
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