surfactant

Behentrimonium Chloride

Also known as BTMC
INCI: BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
CAS 17301-53-0 EC 241-327-0
Docosyltrimethylammonium chloride
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Docosyltrimethylammonium chloride

Purpose

Function

Conditioning agent; antistatic; detangling agent; cationic surfactant
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration0.5–3%
Absorptionhigh
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL10 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
cationicquatlong-chainconditioninganionic-incompatiblerinse-offcurly-haireu_children_restrictedeu_cosing_listed
Verdict

Long-chain C22 quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant confirmed safe as used by CIR. Superior conditioning for thick, coarse, and curly hair types due to enhanced substantivity from the C22 hydrophobic tail. Used at 0.5–3% in rinse-off conditioners. Incompatible with anionic surfactants.

US Note

CIR assessed behentrimonium chloride as safe as used. C22 long-chain quat — enhanced substantivity to hair shaft vs shorter-chain quats. Preferred conditioning agent for thick, coarse, and curly hair types. Incompatible with anionic surfactants.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
17301-53-0
EC Number
241-327-0
INCI
BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
Category
surfactant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026