Allowed in EU

Cetylpyridinium Chloride

A cosmetic ingredient used as antimicrobial, antistatic, deodorant in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride

What does it do?

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Antimicrobial

    kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms

  • Antistatic

    reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable

  • Deodorant

    reduces or masks unpleasant body odour

  • Hair conditioning

    improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair

  • Oral care

    used in oral-hygiene products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental gels

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

EU regulatory status

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cetylpyridinium Chloride?

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride

Is Cetylpyridinium Chloride allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Cetylpyridinium Chloride is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Cetylpyridinium Chloride do in cosmetic products?

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antimicrobial, antistatic, deodorant, hair conditioning, oral care, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.

What is the CAS number of Cetylpyridinium Chloride?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Cetylpyridinium Chloride is 123-03-5.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 16/11/2016