Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound and a type of cationic surfactant. It is widely used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in various pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and disinfectants.

Function:

• Antimicrobial Agent: Benzalkonium Chloride exhibits strong antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Preservative: It acts as a preservative in formulations, prolonging the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of microorganisms.
• Surfactant: As a cationic surfactant, it can also function as a wetting agent and emulsifier in certain formulations.

Properties:

• Broad-Spectrum Activity: Effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, enveloped viruses, and fungi.
• Stability: Exhibits stability over a wide range of pH levels.
• Surface-Active: Can reduce surface tension and enhance wetting properties.

Applications:

Benzalkonium Chloride is commonly found in various products such as:

• Antiseptic Solutions: Used in first aid antiseptics.
• Disinfectants: Found in surface disinfectants and cleaning solutions.
• Preservative in Pharmaceuticals: Used in eye drops, nasal sprays, and other pharmaceutical formulations.
• Personal Care Products: Included in cosmetics, hand sanitizers, and wet wipes.

Note: It's important to use Benzalkonium Chloride in accordance with recommended concentrations and guidelines due to its potency and potential skin irritation at higher concentrations.