preservative_booster

Benzethonium Chloride

INCI: BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
CAS 121-54-0 EC 204-479-9
Benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-[2-[4-(1,1,3,3,-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethyl]-, chloride
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-[2-[4-(1,1,3,3,-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethyl]-, chloride

Purpose

Function

Antimicrobial Preservative, Cosmetic Biocide, Deodorant Agent, Surfactant
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Restricted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration0.1%
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL3.6 mg/kg
ConcernModerate
Flags
Restrictedeu_cosing_listed
Verdict

Effective broad-spectrum cationic preservative with EU Annex V listing at maximum 0.1%. Margin of safety of 257 is adequate but lower than most ingredients. Excluded from oral care products in EU.

US Note

Permitted as cosmetic preservative. Not GRAS for OTC antiseptic use (deferred by FDA 2016).

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
121-54-0
EC Number
204-479-9
INCI
BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
Category
preservative_booster
Updated
Apr 2, 2026