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

COCOTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Valuable CAS 61789-18-2 / ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTISTATIC, PRESERVATIVE, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cocotrimonium Chloride is a multi-functional cationic ingredient primarily valued for its cleansing, antimicrobial, and preservative properties in cosmetic formulations. It effectively removes impurities while enhancing product stability against microbial growth.

Summary

antimicrobial/antibacterial antistatic preservative surfactant/cleansing

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a surfactant, utilizing its hydrophobic component to bind to oily substances and impurities on the skin, while its hydrophilic part associates with water, facilitating their removal during cleansing. Additionally, its antimicrobial action helps regulate microorganism populations on the skin and protects the product itself from microbial spoilage as a preservative.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

For leave-on facial creams, concentrations up to 0.5% (sum of C16 and C18 compounds) are considered safe and effective for their intended functions. As a preservative, it is authorized up to 0.1%.

Key findings

  1. 01 Evaluated as safe for non-preservative use at concentrations up to 0.5% (sum of C16 and C18 compounds) in leave-on facial creams, and up to 0.1% for preservative purposes. These limits imply efficacy within these bounds for the ingredient's stated roles.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 5
0 7 14

Stability

A 2% solution of a closely related compound, Cetrimonium Chloride, demonstrates stability across a broad pH range, specifically between pH 3 and 5.

Conflicts

  • Anionic ingredients (due to its cationic nature)
  • High concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds can cause severe skin irritation.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.1%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has determined Cocotrimonium Chloride safe for use in cosmetics, subject to specific concentration and use limitations. It is authorized as a preservative at a maximum concentration of 0.1%. For non-preservative functions, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) considers a sum of C16 and C18 compounds safe up to 0.5% in leave-on facial creams, up to 1.0% in leave-on hair products, and up to 2.5% in rinse-off hair products. However, due to its classification as a quaternary ammonium compound, there is a moderate risk of irritant contact dermatitis, particularly when used at higher concentrations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Cocotrimonium Chloride is a valuable ingredient for its combined cleansing, antimicrobial, and preservative properties, provided it is formulated carefully within recommended concentration limits to ensure optimal safety and minimize potential irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…