Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) Preservative
CAS Number: 8001-54-5
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant preservative widely used in rinse-off personal care formulations. It exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Typical use level is 0.01–0.1% in shampoos, wet wipes, and antiseptic solutions; incompatible with anionic surfactants.
Technical Specifications
| pH 1pct | 5.0–8.0 |
| appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid |
| shelf life | 24 months sealed |
| active content | 50% or 80% aqueous solution |
Applications
- Rinse-off shampoos and conditioners
- Antibacterial wet wipes and tissues
- Antiseptic hand wash solutions
- Ophthalmic and nasal drop preservative
- Hard surface disinfectant formulations
Key Features
- Benzalkonium Chloride delivers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection at low use levels
- Fast-acting bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy
- Good water solubility and formulation compatibility in rinse-off systems
- Stable across wide temperature ranges during storage and transport