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.
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.
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).
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Stearalkonium Chloride or its alternative names.
Stearalkonium Chloride is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.
Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
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.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Stearalkonium Chloride is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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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