Cetrimonium Bromide
Cationic conditioning surfactant. More common in haircare: eases combing, antistatic. May irritate skin.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetrimonium Bromide safe during pregnancy?
Cetrimonium Bromide is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetrimonium Bromide for?
Cetrimonium Bromide suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Can Cetrimonium Bromide irritate the skin?
Cetrimonium Bromide has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Cetrimonium Bromide and what does it do in cosmetics?
Cationic conditioning surfactant.
What's the INCI name for Cetrimonium Bromide?
The INCI name is Cetrimonium Bromide. It may also appear as: CTAB.
See Cetrimonium Bromide in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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