CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE is graded C** (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING (Restricted use).
CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE
Safety grade: C**
This preservative is permitted in EU cosmetics up to a maximum concentration under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. To be sold legally in the EU or UK, a product must stay within this limit.
This ingredient works as a preservative to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, reduces static in hair care products, helps blend incompatible ingredients together, and provides antimicrobial protection to extend product shelf life.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted use
Last verified: June 9, 2026
Safer alternatives to CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE
- GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A. Cationic conditioning polymer that reduces static and stabilizes emulsions like CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE.
- CETYL ALCOHOL — Grade A. Fatty alcohol that emulsifies and stabilizes formulations, replacing CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE's emulsifying role.
Other Surfactant ingredients
- COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE — Grade C
- XANTHAN GUM — Grade A
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- STEARIC ACID — Grade A
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE — Grade C**
- COCO-GLUCOSIDE — Grade A