quaternium-15

Quaternium-15 is a synthetic quaternary ammonium salt used primarily as a surfactant and preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and various industrial applications. It acts as an antimicrobial agent by slowly releasing formaldehyde, which provides biocidal properties. This mechanism also makes it a known human skin toxicant and allergen, capable of causing contact dermatitis especially in sensitive individuals. Quaternium-15 is approved for use in allergenic epicutaneous patch tests to aid the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis in persons aged six years or older. The compound exists as a mixture of cis and trans isomers; the cis form (Dowicil 200) is mainly used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.2% (EU limit), while mixed forms are found in industrial products such as paints, adhesives, metalworking fluids, and cleaning agents[3][5][6][7].

Brand names

Dowicil 200Dowicil200Dowicil-200Dowicil 75Dowicil75Dowicil-75Dowicil 100Dowicil100Dowicil-100

Other names

quaternium-15quaternium15quaternium 15hexamethylenetetramine chloroallyl chloride