Stearalkonium Chloride

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Stearalkonium Chloride?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Stearalkonium Chloride not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (newborns and babies 0–6 months): this ingredient is not recommended for routine use on baby skin. It can irritate skin and in some people cause allergic skin or breathing reactions. Babies’ skin and airways are more sensitive, so we are cautious.

What to Do

Try to avoid products for your baby that list stearalkonium chloride or other 'quaternary ammonium' ingredients. Choose simple, baby-specific products without conditioning quats. If a product with this ingredient is used, prefer rinse-off use (wash and rinse thoroughly) rather than leave-on, avoid the face and diaper area, and limit how often it’s used. If you cannot avoid exposure, talk with your pediatrician about safe alternatives.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for any new redness, rash, hives, swelling, coughing, wheeze, noisy breathing, or trouble breathing after using a product that contains this ingredient. Stop use immediately and seek medical care if breathing problems or severe swelling occur. These precautions are based on documented strong evidence of allergy/respiratory reactions (occupational asthma lists and clinical reports), regulatory restrictions in cosmetics, and animal and laboratory studies showing reproductive and other toxicity signals (sources include occupational/clinical compilations, the EU cosmetics restrictions, peer-reviewed animal studies, Environment Canada and safety reviews).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Strong human evidence shows this chemical can act as an allergen and harm the immune or respiratory system (listed in an asthmagen compilation and by the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, and supported in peer‑reviewed studies). That means it can cause allergic reactions in people, including children.
Asthma: This ingredient is listed as an asthmagen and a respiratory toxicant by occupational/clinical sources (AEOC compilation and AOEC) and in the scientific literature, so it can trigger or worsen breathing problems such as asthma.
Irritant: There is strong human allergen evidence from clinical and peer‑reviewed sources that this substance can cause skin reactions. On sensitive baby skin this may show up as redness, itching, or rash.
Banned: Regulatory bodies restrict or limit use of this material in cosmetics (for example under the EU Cosmetics Directive), and industry safety panels note specific use‑and‑concentration controls, meaning some countries or product types disallow or tightly limit it.
Organ Risk: Non‑reproductive organ system concerns have been flagged — government assessment and recent studies note possible toxic effects on organs after exposure to related quaternary ammonium disinfectants, so repeated or high exposures could harm organs such as the lungs or other systems.
Environmental: A government environmental agency has identified this chemical as suspected to be an environmental toxin, so it may pose risks to wildlife or ecosystems if released.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Stearalkonium Chloride

This ingredient may also be listed as:

stearalkonium chlorideARQUAD DM18B-90Q7605501W-108436WLN: 18K1 & 1 & 1R & Q & GUNII-9U1Q4T4ZYS COMPONENT SFVFIFLLYFPGHH-UHFFFAOYSA-MN,N-DIMETHYL-N-OCTADECYLBENZYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDEFT-0674648N,N-DIMETHYL-N-OCTADECYL-N-BENZYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDEBENZENEMETHANAMINIUM,N-DIMETHYL-N-OCTADECYL-, CHLORIDEV0577

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Stearalkonium Chloride

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Stearalkonium Chloride or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Stearalkonium Chloride

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Stearalkonium Chloride?

Stearalkonium Chloride is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the banned risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Stearalkonium Chloride?

Stearalkonium Chloride is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Stearalkonium Chloride?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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