Quaternium-15 Safety Guide

What is Quaternium-15? Quaternium-15, also known as 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride and methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride, is a quaternary ammonium salt. Quaternium-15 is used as a surfactant and preservative in many products, including personal care and cosmetics. Quaternium-15 has the CAS Number 4080-31-3. Notable Properties of Quaternium-15 Quaternium-15 is a cream-colored powder when in a concentrated, solid form. Quaternium-15 is soluble in water. When dissolved in water, quaternium-15 releases formaldehyde, which is the active chemical for antimicrobial properties. See the Formaldehyde Safety Guide for more details on formaldehyde specific safety information. What Makes Quaternium-15 Hazardous? Quaternium-15 can be irritating to the skin. There are also indications that quaternium-15 can be a sensitizer, meaning repeated exposure can cause an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis to develop in some individuals. There is...