What it is
Dicetyldimonium chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium salt carrying two cetyl chains. Its positive charge lets it adsorb onto surfaces to provide conditioning and antistatic effects, and it can help stabilize emulsions. In skin formulas it contributes to a smooth, conditioned feel and supports the dispersion of the oil and water phases.
Safety & warnings
Like other cationic quats, dicetyldimonium chloride can be mildly irritating at higher concentrations but is generally well tolerated at the low levels used in finished products. It is not a known fragrance allergen and is not a comedogenic oil.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic quaternary ammonium compound derived from cetyl alcohol chemistry.
Questions everyone asks
What is dicetyldimonium chloride used for?
It is a cationic conditioning and antistatic agent that can also help emulsify and stabilize a formula.
Is it a surfactant?
Yes. It is a cationic surfactant whose positive charge lets it bind to surfaces for conditioning effects.