Stearalkonium chloride is a type of benzalkonium chloride.
Contents
Uses
It is used as an anti-static agent, a surfactant and an antimicrobial. It is an ingredient in some cosmetics and hair care products, particularly conditioners. It was originally designed by the fabric industry for use as a fabric softener.
Benefits
- According to CosmeticsInfo.com, Stearalkonium Chloride is a “positively charged salt that attracts and binds proteins, which are negatively charged.” It is found to increase luster and improve the condition of wet or dry hair, often serving to de-tangle the hair.
- Stearalkonium Chloride was originally developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is often found in hair care products as a less-expensive alternative to protein or herbal ingredients (HealthGoods.com).
- Stearalkonium Chloride is CIR approved with concentration limits, and in the European Union, it is only approved for formulas at concentrations below 3% in rinse-off products, and a .1% maximum for other products.
Cautions
- Although Stearalkonium Chloride is often labeled as a toxin, studies showed that it is safe and non-toxic at the concentrations typically used in cosmetic products (0.1 to 5%). At higher concentrations (25% solution), it has been shown to be a skin and eye irritant in animal studies. According to the Cosmetics Database, Stearalkonium Chloride is a low hazard ingredient that raises concerns regarding organ system toxicity and irritation. One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses when used around eyes, mouth and lips, as well as skin irritation at moderate doses.
- In studies by an independent firm, a “repeated insult patch test with a 1% aqueous solution of Stearalkonium Chloride showed the material to be neither a primary irritant nor a sensitizer. A single 48-hour patch test with challenge two weeks later indicated that 20% Stearalkonium Chloride was not a sensitizer” (CosmeticsInfo.com).
Interactions
- None are known. Please consult your nutritionist.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearalkonium_chloride
TruthinAging, https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/stearalkonium-chloride