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METHYLBENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE.

Valuable CAS 25155-18-4 / ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTISTATIC, DEODORANT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Methylbenzethonium Chloride is a precision-engineered quaternary ammonium compound primarily valued in skincare for its potent antimicrobial properties. It also effectively functions as an antistatic agent and deodorant, contributing to both product stability and skin hygiene when precisely formulated.

Summary

Antimicrobial Antistatic Deodorant Preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as an antimicrobial, Methylbenzethonium Chloride targets microorganisms by adsorbing onto their negatively charged cell walls. This action disrupts normal cellular metabolism, leading to inhibited growth or cell death. Additionally, it neutralizes electrical charges to reduce static electricity and helps to mask or diminish unpleasant body odors.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.12–0.5%
Optimal

0.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations confirm that Methylbenzethonium Chloride is non-sensitizing at concentrations up to 0.5% when applied to the skin, with no reactions observed in human patch tests at 0.31%.
  2. 02 Mild skin irritation was only observed at significantly higher concentrations of 5%, indicating a wide safety margin at typical cosmetic inclusion levels (CIR Expert Panel).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
5%

Methylbenzethonium Chloride is not associated with 'dusting' as a physical residue. However, concentrations exceeding 5% can induce mild skin irritation. Strict adherence to the established maximum safe concentration of 0.5% for cosmetic skin application is imperative to prevent adverse reactions and ensure optimal skin compatibility.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits robust stability across most formulations, significantly contributing to a prolonged shelf life. Optimal antimicrobial efficacy and ingredient stability are maintained when formulations are buffered within a precise pH range of 4.0 to 8.0.

Conflicts

  • Other cationic surfactants or preservatives (potential impact on stability and performance)
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Soap and anionic detergents
  • Nitrates (potential for reaction)
  • Light (ingredient sensitivity)
  • Acids (may cause precipitation from aqueous solutions at concentrations above 2%)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel affirms Methylbenzethonium Chloride's safety for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 0.5% on the skin and 0.02% in the eye area. In the U.S., its use as a preservative falls under FDA Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug product regulation. Notably, it is not listed in Europe's Annex V, precluding its use as a preservative in cosmetic products there. High concentrations (above 5%) can be irritating to the skin. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies the concentrated substance as potentially harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or inhaled, and irritating to skin, eyes, and respiratory system, necessitating careful handling by formulators.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Methylbenzethonium Chloride offers valuable antimicrobial, antistatic, and preservative benefits for both skin health and product integrity, provided it is precisely formulated within its established safe concentration limits and optimal pH range.

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