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DIDECYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE.

Avoid CAS 7173-51-5 / ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Didecyldimonium Chloride is a cationic surfactant primarily recognized for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. It also functions as an antistatic and hair conditioning agent in certain cosmetic formulations.

Antistatic Emulsifying Hair conditioning Surfactant

Science

This compound acts by disrupting the lipid bilayers of microbial cell membranes, leading to intracellular leakage and subsequent cell death. As a cationic surfactant, it effectively reduces surface tension to enhance wetting and cleaning.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.08–1%
Optimal

N/A


Transparency

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.08%
Red flag below
0.08%

Significant skin irritation and sensitization have been documented at very low concentrations, with 0.08% reported to cause contact dermatitis and 0.17% identified as an EC3 for dermal sensitization.


The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 6.8 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient demonstrates hydrolytic stability with half-lives exceeding one year at pH 4, 7, and 9. Optimal efficacy for quaternary ammonium compounds is observed at neutral to alkaline pH.

Conflicts

  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Strong oxidants
  • Organic soil
  • Anionic detergents
  • Certain non-ionic detergents

Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not specifically reviewed this compound. EWG rates it with high concern for skin allergies and irritation, classifying it as unacceptable for EWG Verified products. It is corrosive to the eyes.


Your Skin

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Avoid

Due to its high potential for skin irritation and sensitization at low concentrations, and the absence of a specific CIR safety review, Didecyldimonium Chloride is not suitable for precision skincare applications.


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References