Cetrimonium Chloride is a cationic conditioning ingredient used to improve detangling, softness, and manageability in hair products.
It reduces static, boosts slip, and supports easier wet combing, making it useful in rinse-off conditioners, hair masks, leave-in sprays, and conditioning creams.
It works best in systems designed for cationic conditioning, and it should not be combined directly with high anionic surfactant loads in the same formula without careful compatibility testing.
FEATURES
- Detangling boost – improves wet comb and reduces breakage from friction.
- Reduces static – supports smoother, less flyaway hair.
- Conditioning feel – adds slip and softness without heavy oils.
- Versatile – works in rinse-off and leave-in conditioning formats.
BEST FOR
- Rinse-off conditioners
- Hair masks
- Leave-in sprays
- Leave-in creams
- Detangling mists
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Cetrimonium Chloride |
|---|---|
| Type | Cationic surfactant (quat conditioner / antistatic agent) |
| Solubility | Water soluble (often supplied as an aqueous solution) |
| Use Rate | 0.2–2.0% typical (as active), depending on whether it is rinse-off or leave-in and your desired conditioning level. |
| CMC | ~0.03–0.05% (approx., depends on temperature and ionic strength of the system) |
| pH Compatibility | We recommend finished product pH 4.0–5.5 for strong conditioning feel and scalp comfort. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Stable under normal processing. If you are using it in a heated conditioner base, add during cool down below 50°C where possible. |
| Pro Tip | Dose based on “as active” level. If your grade is supplied diluted (for example 30% solution), calculate the input accordingly. Avoid pairing directly with high anionic surfactant loads, because cationic + anionic interaction can reduce conditioning and destabilise the system. For detangling sprays, combine with a light humectant and keep the formula slightly acidic to reduce static and improve slip. |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid (typical supply form) or white flakes (grade dependent) |
| Stability Notes | Compatibility depends on the full system, especially anionics and electrolyte level. Run stability testing in your exact base. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool and dry. Protect from extreme temperatures. |
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