BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
Safety grade: C
This preservative is permitted in EU cosmetics with a maximum concentration limit and usage restrictions under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. To be sold legally in the EU or UK, a product must meet these conditions.
This ingredient works to preserve cosmetic products by killing microorganisms, reduce static electricity, neutralize odors, and help cleanse the skin while keeping the product stable on the shelf.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Health Canada — Restricted
- Sephora Clean — Restricted
- EU COSING — Restricted use
Last verified: June 9, 2026
Safer alternatives to BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
- ALCOHOL — Grade A**. Antimicrobial alcohol can preserve products and reduce microbial contamination.
- GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A. Quaternary ammonium compound with antistatic properties for reducing static electricity.
Other Surfactant ingredients
- COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE — Grade C
- XANTHAN GUM — Grade A
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- CETYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- STEARIC ACID — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE — Grade C**
- COCO-GLUCOSIDE — Grade A