QUATERNIUM-15 is graded F (Banned) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexII.
QUATERNIUM-15
Safety grade: F
Quaternium-15 is a synthetic preservative chemical that works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. It helps keep cosmetic products fresh and safe to use for longer periods of time.
This preservative prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and mold in cosmetic products, ensuring they remain safe and effective throughout their shelf life.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Prohibited
- California AB 2762 — Banned
- Sephora Clean — Prohibited
Last verified: June 7, 2026
Safer alternatives to QUATERNIUM-15
- POTASSIUM SORBATE — Grade B. Broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and mold growth in cosmetics.
- PHENOXYETHANOL — Grade B**. Preservative that inhibits microbial growth to extend product shelf life safely.
- CHLORPHENESIN — Grade B. Antimicrobial preservative preventing bacterial and fungal contamination in formulations.
- PROPYLPARABEN — Grade C**. Paraben preservative that prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Other Prohibited Chemical ingredients
- BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL — Grade F**
- ZINC PYRITHIONE — Grade F**
- HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE — Grade F
- CI 73360 — Grade F
- PENTASODIUM PENTETATE — Grade F**
- 4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CAMPHOR — Grade F
Other Preservative ingredients
- SODIUM BENZOATE — Grade C
- BENZYL ALCOHOL — Grade C**
- BENZOIC ACID — Grade C**
- METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE — Grade C
- METHYLPARABEN — Grade C
- SALICYLIC ACID — Grade C**