Quaternium-22

INCI: QUATERNIUM-22

CAS Number
51812-80-7 [^1_14]
Function
Antistatic, Film Forming, Hair Conditioning [^1_15]
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted; CIR reviewed — safe as used at ≤ ~5% solids, with impurity limits (DMAPA ≤ 0.2%, ECH ≤ 0.0087%) [^1_16]

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

DMAPA (3-dimethylaminopropylamine) — a known contact allergen, present as impurity up to 2.45% unless controlled [^1_16]. Ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) — genotoxic concern, must be ≤ 0.0087% [^1_16]. Nitrosamine formation potential — quaternium-22 can act as a nitrosating agent, releasing potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines [^1_14]. EWG score: 5 (moderate concern) [^1_14].

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quaternium-22 safe in cosmetics?

DMAPA (3-dimethylaminopropylamine) — a known contact allergen, present as impurity up to 2.45% unless controlled [^1_16]. Ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) — genotoxic concern, must be ≤ 0.0087% [^1_16]. Nitrosamine formation potential — quaternium-22 can act as a nitrosating agent, releasing potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines [^1_14]. EWG score: 5 (moderate concern) [^1_14]. The EU classifies Quaternium-22 as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Quaternium-22 allowed in the EU?

Quaternium-22 EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Quaternium-22 do in cosmetics?

Quaternium-22 functions as: Antistatic, Film Forming, Hair Conditioning [^1_15]. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 51812-80-7 [^1_14].

What is the Margin of Safety for Quaternium-22?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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