Quaternium-15

The Uses of Quaternium-15

1-??(3-??Chloroallyl)??-??1,??3,??5,??7-??tetraazaadamantan-??1-??ium Chloride is a surfactant acting as a formaldehyde-releaser in cosmetics. Potential formaldehyde-related contact allergy.Environmental toxin on US EPA Toxic Release Inventory list (TRI) list.

Indications

Quaternium-15 is approved for use within allergenic epicutaneous patch tests which are indicated for use as an aid in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in persons 6 years of age and older.

Background

Quaternium-15 is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a surfactant and preservative in many products including cosmetics. It is an anti-microbial agent by virtue of being a formaldehyde releaser, however this can also cause contact dermatitis, a symptom of an allergic reaction, especially in those with sensitive skin. In 2005, Quaternium-15 was named in the top 15 most frequently positive allergens identified in patch tests by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG).
Sensitivity to Quaternium-15 may be identified with a clinical patch test.

Definition

ChEBI: A quaternary ammonium salt derived from hexamethylenetetramine; used as a preservative in many cosmetics and industrial substances. Also acts as a disinfectant and allergenic agent.

General Description

Cream-colored powder.

Air & Water Reactions

Dust may form an explosive mixture in air. Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

1-(3-CHLOROALLYL)-3,5,7-TRIAZA-1-AZONIAADAMANTANE CHLORIDE is basic. May react with strong reducing agents to give flammable gases. Possible vigorous combination with strong oxidizing agents.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data are not available for 1-(3-CHLOROALLYL)-3,5,7-TRIAZA-1-AZONIAADAMANTANE CHLORIDE, but 1-(3-CHLOROALLYL)-3,5,7-TRIAZA-1-AZONIAADAMANTANE CHLORIDE is probably combustible.

Contact allergens

Quaternium-15 is a quaternary ammonium compound, used as a broad-spectrum formaldehyde-releasing bactericide agent. It is contained as a preservative in cosmetics, toiletries, and aqueous products. Allergy is mainly due to formaldehyde and not to Quaternium-15 itself. Occupational case reports concerned hairdressers, a beautician, an engineer working on the maintenance of machinery in a chicken processing plant, and an employee carrying out photocopying tasks.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by skin contact. Experimental teratogenic effects. A skin irritant. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx and Cl-

Metabolism

Not Available