Cetrimonium Bromide

Product Overview

DropPrev® B1631C is a cationic cosmetic ingredient based on Cetrimonium Bromide, supplied as white crystal powder. Cetrimonium bromide is a long-chain alkyltrimethylammonium quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant that primarily serves as a preservative, antimicrobial adjunct, antistatic conditioning agent, and emulsifying aid in cosmetic formulations. Its cationic quaternary ammonium head group adsorbs strongly onto negatively charged surfaces, including microbial cell membranes, hair surfaces, and skin surfaces, which is the common structural basis for its antimicrobial, antistatic, and conditioning performance. The product is suitable for conditioners, shampoos, hair treatments, skin cleansers, and emulsion systems requiring microbial control and cationic conditioning.

Cetrimonium bromide exhibits bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria, along with inhibitory activity against yeasts and fungi. Its antimicrobial mechanism relies on electrostatic adsorption between the cationic head group and negatively charged components on the microbial cell membrane: the quaternary ammonium cation first binds to the cell wall/membrane surface, after which the C16 hydrophobic alkyl chain inserts into and disrupts the lipid bilayer, increasing membrane permeability and causing leakage of intracellular potassium ions, nucleotides, and amino acids, ultimately inhibiting vital cellular processes and leading to cell death. This action is direct and independent of microbial metabolic state, allowing it to function as a preservative and antimicrobial adjunct that helps control formula bioburden and extend product shelf life.

As a cationic surfactant, cetrimonium bromide reduces oil–water interfacial tension and assists in the formation and stabilization of emulsions and suspension systems. It typically does not serve as a primary emulsifier alone but functions as a co-emulsifier or suspension stabilizer, improving system homogeneity and storage stability, particularly in cationic creams, hair conditioning lotions, and functional suspension formulations.