Cetrimonium Bromide
What is it?
Cetrimonium bromide is a preservative used in topical anti-bacterial and anti-fungal preparations, lice kits, cosmetics, and hair care products. It is also a surfactant and emulsifier.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with cetrimonium bromide is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing cetrimonium bromide should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the label of all skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposures.
Uses:
- Throat lozenges
- Antiseptic gels and creams
- Vaccine production
- Skin care products/Cosmetics
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Hair dye/Colorants
- Masks
- Detangling or anti-frizz hair products
- Leave in hair moisturizers
Other names for cetrimonium bromide:
- 1-Hexadecanaminium
- N,N,N-trimethyl-bromide
- Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
- n-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide
- CTAB
- N,N,N-Trimethylhexadecan-1-aminium bromide
Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting antigens:
- Other quaternary ammonium surfactants
MC4999-112 (06-2025)
How safe is it?
Related Ingredients
Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
Benzalkonium Chloride
Bis-Hydroxyethyl Dihydroxypropyl Stearammonium Chloride
Camphor Benzalkonium Methosulfate
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Diisobutyl Phenoxy Ethoxy Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
Dimethyldioctadecylammonium Chloride
Soya-Midopropalkonium Chloride
