Name Cetrimonium Bromide Description Cetrimonium bromide is an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. It is used as an antiseptic, conditioning agent, anti-static agent, and preservative. Benefits Keeps products from growing bacteria, softens hair, and kills bacteria. Interestingly, cetrimonium bromide is being studied for its potential as a cancer drug and has been found to support the liver in breaking down and metabolizing fats. This may be due to its cytotoxic activity. (However, it is a hazardous substance that has not been fully tested for medicinal safety. Do not ingest.) Considerations • Quaternary Ammonium Compound
Cetrimonium bromide is considered a quaternary ammonium compound, a class of chemicals linked to mitochondrial damage and endocrine disruption. There is limited reproductive toxicity data available for this ingredient. It has not been tested for endocrine disruption in humans. EWG Skin Deep Database states Associated with endocrine disruption and One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses but does not cite their data sources. • Eye Irritation
Caused irreversible eye damage at a 25% concentration in lab tests. Common usage rates are considerably lower (typically .001% – 4%), although it may cause eye irritation in some circumstances. • Developmental Toxin
Caused embryo effects when fed at high doses to lab rats. • Organ Damage
Prolonged or repeated exposure to high amounts may result in organ damage. • Respiratory Irritation
Aerosolized products containing cetrimonium bromide may induce respiratory irritation.
• Toxic to Aquatic Life
Considered an environmental toxin with long-lasting effects. • Intestinal Effects
Animal studies have found cetrimonium bromide to exhibit some disruption and mitochondrial damage in the gut. Synonyms Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide
CTAB
Bromat
CETAB
Centimide
Ctmab
Cee dee
Acetoquat CTAB
Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide
Trimethylcetylammonium bromide
Lissolamine
Cetaflon
Cetarol
Pollacid
Quamonium
Micol
Cetrimide bp
Cetavlon bromide
Lissolamine A
Lissolamin V
Cycloton V
Cirrasol OD
Softex KW
N-Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Cetrimonii bromidum
Cetavlon
Lauroseptol
Suticide
Mical Research Sources https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5974
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/115_draft_trimon.pdf https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/717624-CETRIMONIUM_BROMIDE/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33560918/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19654225/ https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp1404 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4260154/ Summary Quaternary Ammonium Compound