Cationic conditioning surfactant. More common in haircare: eases combing, antistatic. May irritate skin.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Quaternized surfactant. Safe at standard concentrations (up to 0.5%); irritant at higher levels for mucous membranes and skin.
Cetrimonium Bromide (CTAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound with a long cetyl (C16) carbon chain. A cationic surfactant and antimicrobial agent. Positively charged – unlike anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES) or non-ionics (PEG emulsifiers). Where applied. Hair products: conditioners, masks, leave-in cream serums. Concentration 0.1-1%. Antistatic effect – neutralizes the negative charge of damaged-hair cuticle and eases combing. Antimicrobial disinfectants and antiseptics (contact lenses, hand products). In Spain in Klorane, Nivea Hair Care, Pantene Pro-V. Hair mechanism. The cation binds to anionic damaged-cuticle sites, smooths scales, adds shine. On undamaged hair the effect is minimal – binding is weak. Effective on chemically or heat-damaged hair. Antimicrobial effect. Denatures membrane proteins of bacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses. Used in medical-surface and skin disinfectants at 0.5-2%. Evidence base. Hair-product RCTs are sparse; effect is mostly cosmetic. Antimicrobially – ESCMID 2020 recognizes CTAB as an effective skin antiseptic, less active than chlorhexidine or octenidine. Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety up to 0.5% in leave-on and 1% in rinse-off products. Above 1% skin and mucous-membrane irritation is possible. Contact dermatitis described in 1-3% of patients with prolonged use. On skin – use with caution. Cationic surfactants can irritate sensitive, damaged skin and mucosa. Not recommended as a main ingredient for face and body care in sensitive or atopic skin. Safer in hair – contact with the scalp is brief and followed by rinsing. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Topically in hair products it is safe. Antiseptics with CTAB should not be applied to the nipple during breastfeeding – the infant may ingest.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
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Cetrimonium Bromide is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cetrimonium Bromide suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Cetrimonium Bromide has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Cationic conditioning surfactant.
The INCI name is Cetrimonium Bromide. It may also appear as: CTAB.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution