SkinAtlas
Ingredient library / Cetrimonium Bromide
Preservative ingredient

Cetrimonium Bromide

A quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant (CTAB) used as a cosmetic preservative (EU max 0.1%) with additional hair and skin conditioning properties.

Also known as: ctab, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

preservativeconditioning

Benefits

  • ✓Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservation
  • ✓Cationic conditioning properties

Watch for

  • ⚠EU Annex V max 0.1%; CIR considers safe ≤0.25% when formulated to be non-irritating
  • ⚠Can cause skin and eye irritation at higher concentrations
  • ⚠Patch-test reactions reported in frontal fibrosing alopecia patients; allergic contact dermatitis risk in sensitized individuals
At a glance
CategoryPreservative
IrritancyModerate–high
Beginner-friendlyYes
In your routine

Generally well-tolerated and easy to layer.

Found in 1 product
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Products with Cetrimonium Bromide

Sensibio H2O Micellar WaterCleanser
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water