Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

CETETHYLDIMONIUM BROMIDE.

Valuable CAS 124-03-8 / ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTISTATIC, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A multifunctional cationic quaternary ammonium salt that serves as both a high-performance conditioning agent and a targeted antimicrobial. Its unique positive charge allows it to bond seamlessly with the skin's surface proteins to provide a smoothing effect while supporting the skin's antioxidant defenses.

Summary

Antimicrobial Antistatic Surfactant Conditioning Agent Emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a cationic surfactant, it utilizes a positive electrostatic charge to anchor itself to the negatively charged proteins on the skin and hair, creating a protective, antistatic film. Beyond its physical smoothing properties, it disrupts microbial cell membranes to provide preservative benefits and has been shown to activate the NRF2 antioxidant pathway, which helps modulate inflammatory responses at the cellular level.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–0.25%
Optimal

0.25%

Key findings

  1. 01 A 2012 CIR safety assessment utilizing Human Repeat Insult Patch Tests (HRIPT) confirmed the ingredient is non-sensitizing at 0.25%, though mild initial irritation can occur during induction.
  2. 02 Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023) demonstrated that 100 μM concentrations effectively trigger NRF2 antioxidant pathways in human keratinocytes to combat oxidative stress.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.1%
Red flag below
0.05%

Because it is often used as a secondary preservative or antistatic agent, it is frequently included at concentrations below 0.1%. To achieve its documented NRF2 antioxidant benefits and significant skin conditioning, it should be formulated near its safety threshold of 0.25%.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Highly stable in acidic to neutral formulations. It must not be paired with anionic surfactants, as they will neutralize the cationic charge and cause the ingredient to precipitate out of the solution.

Synergies

  • Non-ionic surfactants
  • Cationic conditioning agents
  • Glycerin

Conflicts

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Anionic surfactants)
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Nitrosating agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.25%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Safe for rinse-off applications; however, leave-on products are strictly limited to 0.25% by the CIR. The European Union further restricts its use as a preservative to 0.1%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A precise multifunctional agent that bridges the gap between antimicrobial protection and cellular antioxidant support when formulated within strict concentration limits.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…

References

Sources