CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE
Commonly Found In
Overview
Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial, antistatic, and conditioning agent in hair care products. The EU permits it at up to 0.1% as a cosmetic preservative (EU Annex V); Japan limits it to 0.05%. It is widely known in molecular biology for DNA extraction from plant tissues.
Also known as: CTAB, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide
Key Benefits
Studies suggest cetrimonium bromide improves hair manageability and reduces static by adsorbing to negatively charged damaged hair. Provides antimicrobial preservation at low concentrations.
Supporting Research
- β’ CIR Expert Panel β Safety Assessment of Cetrimonium Bromide: Assessed safe at permitted concentrations
- β’ EU Annex V entry 44: Permitted as preservative at max 0.1%
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; cationic conditioning surfactant primarily used in hair products rather than facial formulations.
Source: CIR Expert Panel safety assessment
Irritancy Rating
Moderate irritancy potential at higher concentrations; well tolerated at typical use levels (0.01β0.1%)
Source: CIR Expert Panel; published literature
Typical Use Concentration
Range
0.01β0.5%
Optimal
0.1β0.25%
EU max 0.1% as preservative (Annex V/44); Japan max 0.05%. Higher concentrations used as primary conditioning active in non-EU formulations.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Avoid Combining
Use With Caution
EU Annex V entry 44: max 0.1% as preservative; Japan max 0.05%. Cationic surfactant; incompatible with anionic surfactants. Best suited for rinse-off conditioning formulations.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (V/44) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
EU Annex V limits cetrimonium bromide to 0.1% as a preservative. Japan restricts to 0.05%. US has no specific concentration limit. The bromide counterion is associated with slightly higher irritancy potential compared to the chloride form.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in UK but allowed in EU, USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 84 ingredients in the ANTIMICROBIAL category. 99% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Not found in nature. A synthetic quaternary ammonium compound. The cetyl (C16) chain is typically derived from palm or coconut oil fatty acids.
π How It's Made
Produced by quaternization of cetyl dimethylamine with methyl bromide or by reaction of cetyl alcohol with trimethylamine and hydrobromic acid.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in hair conditioners and rinse products for antistatic, antimicrobial, and conditioning properties. EU Annex V entry 44: max 0.1% as preservative. Japan: max 0.05%. Primarily valued as a conditioning and detangling agent.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in molecular biology (DNA extraction), nanotechnology (nanoparticle synthesis), medical disinfectants, and as a cationic surfactant in various industrial processes.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ CTAB (as it's known in chemistry) is one of the most widely used surfactants in nanotechnology for synthesizing gold nanoparticles
- β’ It's commonly used in molecular biology laboratories for DNA extraction from plant tissues
- β’ Despite its antimicrobial properties, it's primarily valued in cosmetics as a conditioning agent rather than a preservative
Data Sources
- β’ EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V entry 44
- β’ Japan MHLW cosmetics standards (max 0.05%)
- β’ CIR Expert Panel β Safety Assessment of Cetrimonium Compounds
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
UNDECYLENIC ACID
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
CAMPHOR BENZALKONIUM METHOSULFATE
CHLOROPHENE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE used for in cosmetics?
CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE is primarily used for antimicrobial in cosmetic products. It also serves as antistatic, preservative. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE?
CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE is banned in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in EU, JP, US.
Are there alternatives to CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For antimicrobial, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Where can I find official regulation information about CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE?
Official information about CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.