BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under Health Canada (Restricted).
BENZETHONIUM 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 as an antimicrobial and preservative to eliminate odor-causing bacteria, prevent product spoilage, and reduce microbial growth on skin.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- Health Canada — Restricted
- EU COSING — Restricted use
Last verified: June 9, 2026
Safer alternatives to BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
- PHENOXYETHANOL — Grade B**. Preservative that prevents microbial growth and product spoilage.
- POTASSIUM SORBATE — Grade B. Preservative that inhibits microbial growth to prevent product degradation.
- ALCOHOL — Grade A**. Antimicrobial agent that reduces microbial growth on skin and formulations.
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