Ingredient guide
Quaternium-15 in Face Moisturizer
What Quaternium-15 does in face moisturizer and how it's regulated.
About Quaternium-15
A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
Why brands use it in face moisturizer
Cost-effective broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination in water-based formulations.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Still permitted in US cosmetics with no concentration limits. Listed as a known allergen but not banned.
- European Union: Not permitted in cosmetics
- Canada: Restricted in cosmetics
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in face moisturizer:
phenoxyethanol (at safe concentrations)
ethylhexylglycerin
potassium sorbate
sodium benzoate
rosemary extract
Quaternium-15 in other product types
FAQ
What is Quaternium-15?
A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
Why is Quaternium-15 used in face moisturizer?
Cost-effective broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination in water-based formulations.
How is Quaternium-15 regulated?
Still permitted in US cosmetics with no concentration limits. Listed as a known allergen but not banned. It is not permitted in cosmetics sold in the EU. Canada restricts its use in cosmetics.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Quaternium-15?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
