Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) is a versatile quaternary ammonium compound widely used in cosmetics and personal care products for its powerful antimicrobial, antiseptic, and preservative properties. As an active ingredient in cleansers, creams, and wet wipes, BKC helps protect formulations against bacteria, fungi, and viruses while maintaining product integrity and safety.
In the beauty and hygiene industry, the use of Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) has increased due to its effectiveness at low concentrations and its compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. It ensures long-lasting protection without compromising skin comfort—making BKC a trusted component in modern cosmetic preservatives and personal care formulations.
Benzalkonium Chloride, commonly abbreviated as BKC, is a cationic surfactant and antimicrobial agent belonging to the family of quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). It is typically supplied as BKC 50% or BKC 80% solution and used across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and home care applications.
In cosmetic formulations, BKC performs several critical functions:
Acts as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Serves as an antiseptic and disinfectant in hygiene products.
Works as a conditioning agent in hair and skin care products.
Stabilizes emulsions and enhances formulation texture.
Chemically, Benzalkonium Chloride disrupts microbial cell membranes, leading to rapid and irreversible damage. Its effectiveness against a broad range of microorganisms makes BKC a reliable option for maintaining cosmetic safety and shelf stability.
INCI Name: Benzalkonium Chloride
CAS Number: 8001-54-5 / 63449-41-2
Function: Preservative, antiseptic, surfactant
The versatility of Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) allows it to be used in nearly all categories of cosmetics and personal care products, from skin care to hair care and hygiene items.
In lotions, moisturizers, and facial creams, BKC functions as both a preservative and antimicrobial agent. It prevents contamination during consumer use and helps maintain the formula’s freshness and microbiological purity. Since Benzalkonium Chloride is gentle at low doses, it is suitable even for sensitive-skin formulations.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) is commonly found in conditioners, shampoos, and hair treatments. Besides its antimicrobial function, it also acts as a conditioning agent, reducing static and improving combability. The cationic nature of BKC allows it to bond with negatively charged hair strands, resulting in smoother and more manageable hair.
In hand sanitizers, liquid soaps, and wet wipes, BKC provides an alcohol-free disinfection option. Unlike ethanol-based products, Benzalkonium Chloride continues to offer residual antimicrobial activity after application, while remaining gentle on the skin. This makes BKC an ideal choice for personal care disinfectants used multiple times a day.
Water-based cleansers and toners often require a mild preservative system to prevent microbial contamination. Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) ensures product stability, extending shelf life without compromising the mildness of the formulation.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, BKC is effective in reducing odor-causing bacteria in deodorants and body sprays, ensuring freshness and cleanliness throughout daily use.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy — Active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses.
Formulation stability — Compatible with nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic ingredients.
Skin mildness — At low concentrations, BKC is gentle to the skin and eyes, making it suitable for personal care formulations.
Residual protection — Benzalkonium Chloride remains effective on skin surfaces for extended periods, providing lasting hygiene benefits.
Regulatory acceptance — BKC is approved by international authorities (FDA, EU, ASEAN, Japan) for use in cosmetics and personal care products within defined limits.
The safety of Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) in cosmetics has been thoroughly evaluated. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) recognize BKC as a safe cosmetic ingredient when used within recommended concentrations.
In rinse-off products, such as shampoos and body washes, BKC may be used up to 0.1%.
In leave-on products, such as lotions or wipes, the maximum permitted level is 0.1%.
In mouthwash and oral care products, BKC is allowed up to 0.02% concentration.
When formulating, it is essential to use high-purity BKC 50% or BKC 80% solutions and conduct preservative efficacy testing (PET) to ensure both microbiological safety and skin compatibility.
When compared with parabens, formaldehyde donors, or isothiazolinones, BKC provides an appealing balance of efficacy and mildness.
Unlike parabens, BKC offers antiviral properties.
Unlike isothiazolinones, BKC is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Compared with alcohols, Benzalkonium Chloride offers non-drying, residual antimicrobial protection, ideal for sensitive-skin personal care products.
This makes BKC a preferred preservative for eco-friendly, paraben-free, and alcohol-free cosmetics.
To maximize the benefits of Benzalkonium Chloride in formulation:
Maintain formulation pH between 4.0 and 8.0 for optimal stability and activity.
Avoid high levels of anionic surfactants, which can deactivate BKC.
Pair BKC with chelating agents (e.g., EDTA, MGDA) to enhance preservation.
Perform challenge tests to verify long-term product protection.
Use high-quality BKC 50% or BKC 80% solutions from reliable manufacturers to ensure consistency and purity.
With the global shift toward clean beauty and alcohol-free hygiene, Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) has regained attention as a safe and efficient cosmetic preservative. Many cosmetic brands now rely on BKC to replace harsher preservatives, maintaining product safety while meeting consumer demands for gentle formulations.
Moreover, BKC-based sanitizers and wipes have become mainstream due to their non-flammable nature and prolonged antimicrobial effect. As regulations evolve and consumer expectations rise, BKC continues to be a key component in the development of innovative personal care products.
In cosmetic preservation and hygiene applications, BKC antimicrobial, BKC disinfectant, and BKC antiseptic functions are well recognized for their broad efficacy and formulation stability. Continuous studies on BKC safety confirm its reliability and low irritation potential when used within recommended concentration ranges. These characteristics make Benzalkonium Chloride one of the most dependable ingredients for product protection and consumer trust.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) stands as one of the most valuable ingredients in modern cosmetics and personal care products. Its unique combination of antimicrobial power, preservative stability, and formulation compatibility makes it indispensable for ensuring product safety and consumer protection.
When formulated within safe concentration limits, BKC delivers effective, long-lasting antimicrobial protection while maintaining skin health. Whether in BKC 50% or BKC 80% solution, this quaternary ammonium compound continues to play a vital role in cosmetic preservation, personal hygiene, and clean beauty innovation.
As a reliable Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC, BKC) manufacturer, we supply high-purity Benzalkonium Chloride in 50% and 80% aqueous solutions with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and excellent stability across various pH ranges. This makes it an ideal preservative and disinfectant for cosmetics, personal care, and home care products.
We are not just a Benzalkonium Chloride manufacturer but also a trusted global BKC supplier, offering competitive bulk prices, consistent quality, and full technical documentation. Our Benzalkonium Chloride is widely used by top brands in facial cleansers, hand sanitizers, wet wipes, shampoos, and surface disinfectants.
Looking for a dependable Benzalkonium Chloride supplier? Contact us today for free samples, TDS, MSDS, and a wholesale quote!
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Suzhou easy chemical co. ltd
388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
Contact： Joyce Yu
MB: +86 13962653966
Tel: 0512- 57554186
Whatsapp&Wechat: +86 13962653966
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No.388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
TEL: +86 13962653966
We will contact you within 2 hours, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “joyceyu@szeasychem.com”.
