CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
C16-alkyltrimethylammonium chloride C18-alkyltrimethyammonium chloride
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record. Maximum concentration in this record: (a) 2,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (b) 1,0% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (c) 0,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride.
Chemical identity and properties
Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is the organic chloride salt of cetyltrimethylammonium. It has a role as a surfactant. It is a quaternary ammonium salt and an organic chloride salt. It contains a cetyltrimethylammonium ion. — ChEBI
- IUPAC name
- hexadecyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride
- Molecular formula
- C19H42ClN
- Molecular weight
- 320.0 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 319.3005780 Da
- Topological polar surface area
- 0.0 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Covalent units
- 2
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:53581
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL1895807
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID6026901
- PubMed:10124
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 750 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Autoignition Temperature: 750 °F /ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL SOLN OF CETYLTRIMETHYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 180 °F at 760 mmHg (isopropyl alcohol) (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 0.9 at 77 °F (approx.) (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 69 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- LogP: log Kow= 3.23 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride appears as colorless to pale yellow liquid with an odor of rubbing alcohol. Floats or sinks in water. (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid; CBI Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Solution: Clear to pale yellow liquid; [HSDB] White powder; [MSDSonline] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Solubility: Water solubility: 440 mg/l at 30 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- First Aid: INGESTION: do NOT induce vomiting; drink large quanities of fluid and call a physician immediately.; EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min. and call a physician.; SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.5% (5 of 1105) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (49%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H311 (28.6%): Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314 (41.5%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H315 (52.3%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318 (85.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (44.3%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H400 (99.4%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 (40.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P361+P364, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 1105 reports by companies from 42 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 5 of 1105 reports by companies.; There are 41 notifications provided by 1100 of 1105 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Danger Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concluded the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating...Cetrimonium Chloride... Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 71 was calculated for trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 3.23(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2.2X10+5(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.9X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 2.8X10-10 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(4). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2.2X10+5(SRC), determined from an estimation method(2), indicates that trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.9X10-10 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 71(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.23(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate. The MITI, closed bottle, and Sturm tests revealed no degradation after 10 days, microbial growth after 17 days, and 84% degradation after 13 days, respectively(8). 10-20 ppm trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride was degraded with a half-life of 3.1 days in freshwater collected from the Ohio river 1 mile below discharge from a municipal treatment plant at 20 °C and pH 6.9(9). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 2.8X10-10 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase trimethylhexadecylammonium chloride may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Cleaning agent; Corrosion inhibitor; Softener and conditioner; Surface modifier; Surfactant (surface active agent) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Corrosion inhibitor; Processing aids, specific to petroleum production; Softener and conditioner; Surface modifier; CBI; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Cetrimonium Chloride Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Sources/Uses: Available as a 25% aqueous solution and 50% solution in isopropyl alcohol and water for use in antifungal formulations and hair conditioners; Also used as a disinfectant/germicide, cationic detergent, fermentation aid, dispersant, coagulant for antibiotic production, and antistatic and softening agent for textile finishes; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: USED IN ANTIFUNGAL FORMULATION; IN HAIR CONDITIONER FORMULATION; DISINFECTANT; CATIONIC DETERGENT Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: SOFTENER IN HAIR TREATMENTS, EG, CREME RINSES Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: FERMENTATION AID Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: GERMICIDE Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for TRIMETHYLHEXADECYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Maximum concentration
(a) 2,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (b) 1,0% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (c) 0,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride
Other restrictions
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. The purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.
INCI glossary name
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
Chemical name
C16-alkyltrimethylammonium chloride C18-alkyltrimethyammonium chloride
Chemical / IUPAC name
C16-alkyltrimethylammonium chloride C18-alkyltrimethyammonium chloride
Regulatory information
Key data
Inventory links for CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
Related records for CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex III are shown as well.
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2,2'-METHYLENEBIS 4-AMINOPHENOL HCL
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What Annex III means for CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.
When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.
This record is linked to 2 CosIng inventory ingredients for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 11 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.
Compliance checklist
- Ensure formulation concentration does not exceed: (a) 2,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (b) 1,0% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride (c) 0,5% for the individual concentrarions or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and streartrimonium chloride
- Confirm product type compatibility: (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Leave-on hair products (c) Leave-on face products
- Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).
Frequently asked questions
Source note for Annex III record CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1)
This page summarizes one Annex III record for CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.
Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1) / STRARTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE (1), but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
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