Cetrimonium Bromide
AKA “Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, Bromat, CETAB, Centimide, Acetoquat CTAB, Ctmab, Cee dee”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Cetrimonium bromide
AKA: Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, Bromat, CETAB, Centimide, Acetoquat CTAB, Ctmab, Cee dee
Synthetic · Antimicrobial | Antistatic | Preservative | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 6
Plant-Derived
Preservative
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle preservative that keeps the product fresh while helping it blend smoothly and reducing frizz or static in hair products.
Formula
C19H42BrN
Mol. Weight
364.40
CAS #
57-09-0
Form
Powder
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from coconut or palm oil fatty acids and combined with bromine and trimethylamine compounds. Synthesized through quaternization of alkyldimethylamine with bromoalkane under controlled chemical conditions.
Function
Antimicrobial | Antistatic | Preservative | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic quaternary ammonium salt. Created to provide conditioning and antistatic properties in hair and skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score6
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-6, medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
0.1%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.1%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 44.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR