Is Quaternium-15 safe in cosmetics?
Quaternium-15 has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: prohibited. US status: permitted.
Quaternium-15
Also known as: 3,5,7-Triazatricyclo(3.3.1.1(superscript 3,7))decane, 1-(3-chloro-2-propenyl)-, chloride, (Z)-, 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride, cis form, Hexamethylenetetramine cis-chloroallyl chloride, cis-N-(3-Chloroallyl) hexaminium chloride, cis-1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride (+1 more)
INCI: QUATERNIUM-15
Quaternium-15 (CAS 51229-78-8) is a cosmetic preservative functioning as Preservative (antimicrobial, biocide). EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: prohibited. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 51229-78-8 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Quaternium-15 is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H228, H302, H311, H315, H317, H319, H361, H361d).
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Preservative (antimicrobial, biocide)
Safety Rating
POOR
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
prohibited
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted in the US; no federal ban. Consumer backlash driving brand self-restriction. Formaldehyde releaser — sensitization risk for formaldehyde-allergic individuals.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Quaternium-15.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Quaternium-15 based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
moderate
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
1.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
formaldehyde-releaser-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: ESSCA 2019/20; IVDK; FDA
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Warning
Pictograms
FlammableHealth HazardHarmful / IrritantEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Flam. Sol. 2; Repr. 2; Acute Tox. 4 *; Skin Irrit. 2; Skin Sens. 1; Aquatic Chronic 2
Hazard Statements
- H228 Flammable solid
- H361d ***
- H302 Harmful if swallowed
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
- H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Inserted via ATP: ATP01
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
58.01%
DPRA Lys %
31.19%
KeratinoSens IC50
22.486 µM
hCLAT CV75
19.1 µg/mL
NESIL
3937 µg/cm²
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: DPRA: Cosmetics Europe; KS: Cosmetics Europe; hCLAT: Cosmetics Europe; HPPT: [603] Marzulli FN and Maguire HC (1983): http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/489755491
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
1 human repeat insult patch test aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 3937.01 | - | - |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Dose-Response Data Points
| Endpoint | Target | Value | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERα activation by released formaldehyde | ERα (indirect) | EC50/IC50: No direct in vitro EC50 reported; activity equivalent to HCHO released (~30–200 ppm); LOEC: not formally reported; NOEC: not established mixed | weak agonist (high HCHO release rate) |
| Nrf2/ARE activation (pro-hapten via HCHO release) | Nrf2/ARE innate immune / sensitization pathway | EC50/IC50: EC1.5 reported in KeratinoSens; strong sensitizer in standard patch testing; LOEC: not formally quantified; NOEC: not established mixed | sensitizer / hapten (HCHO release) |
| AR agonism/antagonism | AR | EC50/IC50: No published AR in vitro IC50/EC50; data gap; LOEC: not reported; NOEC: not reported mixed | not assessed (strong skin sensitizer; no formal ER/AR in vitro data published) |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
Ceased manufacture
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
EU CosIng Annex Listing
European Commission CosIng database Annex references per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Annex II — Prohibited
Ref: 1385
(EU) 2019/831
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (II - Prohibited)
ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (II)
Ref: 1385
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Prohibited
India: Prohibited (GNRAS)
India: Prohibited (GNRAS)
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (6)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN | permitted_preservative | 0.2 | All cosmetics |
| AU | restricted | - | preservatives |
| GCC | banned | - | All cosmetics |
| BR | banned | - | - |
| ID | banned | - | All cosmetic products prohibited |
| ID | banned | 0% | All cosmetic products |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "preservative", "cross_reactivity_group": "formaldehyde-releaser-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "1.5", "sensitization_rate": "moderate", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "ESSCA 2019/20; IVDK; FDA"}
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "3", "skin_type_suitability": "oily,combination", "acne_safe": "caution", "source": "Formaldehyde releaser"}
deodorant
{"cas_number": "51229-78-8", "ingredient_class": "antimicrobial_deodorant", "mechanism_of_action": "bacterial_growth_inhibition", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "24", "odor_reduction_pct": "60-80", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "yes", "target_bacteria": "broad_spectrum", "microbiome_impact": "broad", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "varies …
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "14-28", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "moderate", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "moderate aquatic toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "releases formaldehyde", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environm…
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "avoid", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "avoid", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "caution", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "caution", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "yes", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "0.0", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "0.2", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "higher", "immature_skin_barrier_risk": "moderate", "oral_ingestion_risk": "moderate", "eye_irritation_risk": "…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "4.0", "optimal_ph_max": "8.0", "stable_ph_min": "3.5", "stable_ph_max": "9.0", "degrades_above_ph": "9.5", "degrades_below_ph": "3.0", "ph_dependent_function": "Formaldehyde releaser; preservative", "formulation_note": "Less common now", "source": "Formulation literature"}
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "avoid", "breastfeeding_safe": "avoid", "trimester_restriction": "all", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "Formaldehyde releaser", "alternative_ingredient": "Phenoxyethanol; Sodium Benzoate", "source": "ACOG; dermatology literature"}
preservative
{"preservative_class": "Formaldehyde donor", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gp": "Yes", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gn": "Yes", "antimicrobial_spectrum_yeast": "Yes", "antimicrobial_spectrum_mold": "Yes", "mic_staph_aureus_ppm": "250", "mic_e_coli_ppm": "300", "mic_pseudomonas_ppm": "380", "mic_candida_albicans_ppm": "500", "mic_aspergillus_niger_ppm": "900", "challenge_test_pass_concentrat…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Preservative
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Banned in Cosmetics
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Quaternium-15.
Regulatory Flags
preservative
eu-banned
formaldehyde-releaser
contact-allergen
banned-eu
us-permitted
avoid
eu_banned_cosmetics
eu_cosing_listed
Known Synonyms
3,5,7-Triazatricyclo(3.3.1.1(superscript 3,7))decane, 1-(3-chloro-2-propenyl)-, chloride, (Z)-
1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride, cis form
Hexamethylenetetramine cis-chloroallyl chloride
cis-N-(3-Chloroallyl) hexaminium chloride
cis-1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride
UNII-LIT014L4RH
Chemical Function
Preservative
Regulatory Lists
fracking; water
banned; Europe; Personal care
banned; Europe; Personal care
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Canada; pharmaceutical
Personal care - general moisturizing
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL3181805
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quaternium-15 allowed in the EU?
Quaternium-15 EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Quaternium-15 do in cosmetics?
Quaternium-15 functions as: Preservative (antimicrobial, biocide). It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 51229-78-8.
Is Quaternium-15 used outside cosmetics?
Quaternium-15 also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Quaternium-15 have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Quaternium-15 is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H228, H302, H311, H315, H317, H319, H361, H361d).
Compliance Tools
Check Quaternium-15 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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