C16-Alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (cetrimonium chloride)
New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 286.
Regulatory decision and full conditions
- Status
- Restricted
- Legal role
- Binding rule
- Regulatory summary
- New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 5, reference 286.
- Conditions and restrictions
- Product scope: (a) Rinse-off hair products (b) Leave-on hair products (c) Leave-on face products · Maximum concentration: (a) 2.5% for the individual concentrations or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and steartrimonium chloride (b) 1.0% for the individual concentrations or the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and steartrimonium chloride (c) 0.5% for the individual concentrations of the sum of the individual concentrations of cetrimonium chloride and steartrimonium chloride · Other limitations: For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. The purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product
Substance identity
- Official source name
- C16-Alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (cetrimonium chloride)
- CAS
- 112-02-7
- EC
- 203-928-6
- Identity mapping
- cas_number
- Linked ingredient
- CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
Linked CosIng identity data
Names and aliases
CosIng description: 1-Hexadecanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride
EU inventory restriction note: V/44
Recorded cosmetic function: ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTISTATIC, PRESERVATIVE, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Function pages:ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTISTATIC, PRESERVATIVE, SURFACTANT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
View the complete ingredient profileCross-market snapshot for this identity
Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.
European Union
2 linked records · 2 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordGreat Britain
1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordNew Zealand
Current record2 linked records · 2 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordASEAN
2 linked records · 2 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordSouth Korea
1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordIndia
1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions
Open supporting recordSaudi Arabia
1 linked record
Open supporting recordVerified chemistry for CAS 112-02-7
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
- Monoisotopic mass
- 319.3005780 Da
- Topological polar surface area
- 0.0 Ų
- Molecular complexity
- 181.0
- Formal charge
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 1
- Rotatable bonds
- 15
- Heavy atoms
- 21
- Covalent units
- 2
Names and synonyms reported to PubChem
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:53581
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL1895807
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID6026901
- PubMed:10124
Advanced structure statistics
- Defined atom stereocentres
- 0
- Undefined atom stereocentres
- 0
- Defined bond stereocentres
- 0
- Undefined bond stereocentres
- 0
- 3D conformers
- 0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
- SMILES
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)C.[Cl-]- InChI
InChI=1S/C19H42N.ClH/c1-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20(2,3)4;/h5-19H2,1-4H3;1H/q+1;/p-1- InChIKey
WOWHHFRSBJGXCM-UHFFFAOYSA-M
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.
Official source and provenance
- Registered source
- New Zealand cosmetic product schedules 4–8
- Source reference
- Schedule 5, reference 286, source row 346
- Source record ID
S5-346- Source version
- effective-2026-01-01
- Source language
- English
- Translation status
- Original is English
- Effective date
- 2026-01-01
- Source updated
- 2024-01-01
- Snapshot checked
- 2026-08-30 04:54 UTC
- Validation method
- openpyxl extraction; reviewed per-schedule counts
- SHA-256
4e62e372fb0aad7ac630af8c41fa50b38b52a793fd51b99697a65f8ecce1ae8a
Registered dataset notes
- Dataset coverage
- Prohibited and restricted substances, permitted colorants, preservatives and UV filters
- Authority note
- Official EPA group standard schedules; current market-specific rule source
How this record fits the market dataset
Status distribution
Condition text is present on 747 of 2913 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.
New Zealand market context
Complete schedules dataset
Coverage version: Cosmetic Products Group Standard schedules effective 1 January 2026
Schedules 4–8: prohibited, restricted, colourant, preservative and UV-filter entries.
Verification checklist
- Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
- Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
- Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
- Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.
Official market sources
- New Zealand cosmetic product schedules 4–8Official EPA group standard schedules; current market-specific rule source
Verification workflow and record completeness
Before using this result in a compliance decision
- Confirm that “C16-Alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (cetrimonium chloride)” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
- Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
- Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
- Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
- Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.
- Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.
Fields available in this record
- Official substance nameAvailable
- CASAvailable
- ECAvailable
- Separate condition textAvailable
- Effective dateAvailable
- Snapshot hash and methodAvailable
Questions this page answers
Stable citation
C16-Alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (cetrimonium chloride). Schedule 5, reference 286, source row 346. New Zealand. Source version effective-2026-01-01. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/nz/records/9181/
Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.
Interpretation and limits for New Zealand
This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record.
Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.
How to interpret the legal role
The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.
Evidence on this page
- Recorded outcome: Restricted
- Legal role: Binding rule
- Source version: effective-2026-01-01
- Effective date: 2026-01-01
What it does not prove
The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.
Further authoritative substance research
These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments
Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents
Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule
Research this identity at the sourceFDA Global Substance Registration System
UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships
Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval
Research this identity at the sourceILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards
Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals
International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval
Research this identity at the sourceJapan NITE-CHRIP
Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information
Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules
Research this identity at the sourceNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals
US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision
Research this identity at the sourceOECD eChemPortal
Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records
Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data
Research this identity at the sourceUS EPA CompTox CTX APIs
API key required for importDTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data
Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality
Research this identity at the source