Stearalkonium Chloride

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Stearalkonium Chloride?

⚠️
USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Stearalkonium Chloride use with caution for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and young children (2–5 years), this ingredient is moderately concerning. It can cause allergic skin or breathing problems in some people and is restricted for use in some places. It is not a top choice for everyday use on young children.

What to Do

If possible, choose products made for children that do not list Stearalkonium Chloride. If you must use a product that contains it, pick rinse‑off products (like shampoos that are washed out) rather than leave‑on creams. Do a small patch test on the child’s inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or irritation. Stop use and wash the area if you see any reaction. If your child develops coughing, wheeze, trouble breathing, or a spreading rash, stop use and seek medical care.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for allergic skin reactions and breathing problems — this ingredient is listed as a strong allergen/respiratory sensitizer (Asthmagen compilation; Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). The European cosmetics rules restrict its use in some products (EU Cosmetics Directive). Some animal studies on related disinfectant chemicals showed effects on fertility, and some lab tests suggest possible nerve or hormone effects (peer‑reviewed studies referenced in safety summaries). Avoid use on broken skin, near the eyes, or in products used daily on young children.

Confidence: MEDIUM

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

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

Safe for preschoolers to use Stearalkonium Chloride?

Use caution with Stearalkonium Chloride for 2-5 year old children. Some safety concerns have been identified.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the asthma risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for preschoolers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the irritant risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for preschoolers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the banned risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for preschoolers?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

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

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the environmental risks of Stearalkonium Chloride for preschoolers?

Possible negative effects on the environment Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Stearalkonium Chloride?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with Stearalkonium Chloride?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product