Behentrimonium chloride
What is Behentrimonium chloride? Why is it in my skin care products? And, most importantly, is it OK for me to use? Let’s find out.
What is Behentrimonium chloride?
This ingredient comes from canola oil (also known as rapeseed oil). It can be used in skin care products in the following ways:
- managing frizzy hair
- preservative

Is this ingredient OK
As you know, I’ve been trying to write about skin care ingredients. It’s been an obsession of mine ever since I was a teenager. When I had to deal with acne, oily skin and sensitive skin, I really started to look at ingredient lists. It’s the major reason why I created Nutt So Ruff.
When I came across Behentrimonium chloride, I wondered if it was OK to use? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), they rate this as a 6 – kind of in the middle and this is because of the limited information. As far as cancer causing or developmental or reproductive issues, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.
You could; however, develop allergies and an immunotoxicity. The allergies is what bothers me. Allergies can mean red, sensitive skin. So, I do look for this in the skin care products I buy. As long as it’s not in a ton of things I am using, I am fine with it but if I start having any redness, I will cut back or eliminate this ingredient / product from my routine.

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