Allowed in EU

Quaternium-18

A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, hair conditioning, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

Quaternary ammonium compounds, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl, chlorides

What does it do?

Quaternium-18 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Antistatic

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

  • Hair conditioning

    improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair

  • Surfactant - cleansing

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

EU regulatory status

Quaternium-18 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 Quaternium-18?

Quaternium-18 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Quaternary ammonium compounds, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl, chlorides

Is Quaternium-18 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Quaternium-18 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Quaternium-18 do in cosmetic products?

Quaternium-18 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, hair conditioning, surfactant - cleansing.

What is the CAS number of Quaternium-18?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Quaternium-18 is 61789-80-8.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010