REVIEW Benzethonium chloride is a bactericidal cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant used as a topical anti-infective agent. It is an ingredient in medicaments, deodorants, cosmetics, toiletries, mouthwashes, , anti-itch ointments, and antibacterial moist towelettes., and is used to disinfect equipment in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, in surgery, and also as a preservative. The compound is toxic orally as a result of neuromuscular blockade. Benzethonium chloride exhibits a broad spectrum of microbiocidal activity against bacteria, fungi, mold and viruses. Independent testing shows that benzethonium chloride is highly effective against such pathogens as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifies that the safe and effective concentrations for benzethonium chloride are 0.1-0.2% in first aid products. Aqueous solutions of benzethonium chloride are not absorbed through the skin. It is not approved in the US and Europe for use as a food additive. In addition to its highly effective antimicrobial activity, benzethonium chloride contains a positively charged nitrogen atom covalently bonded to four carbon atoms. This positive charge attracts it to the skin and hair. This contributes to a soft, powdery afterfeel on the skin and hair, as well as long-lasting persistent activity against microorganisms.
REFERENCES
[1]
Rawlins, A. L.; Sweet, L. A.; Joslyn, D. A. Relation of chemical structure to germicidal activity of a series of quaternary ammonium salts Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (1912-1977) (1943), 32, 11-16.
[2]
Mahendrabhai, Shah Dharmesh; Ramchandra, Wader Guruprasad Process for the manufacture of benzethonium chloride (BEC) Indian Pat. Appl. (2008), IN 2006MU01169 A 20080718.
[3]
Wetterlow LH, Edsall G.The effect of benzethonium chloride on the antigens of pertussis vaccine. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1970;37(2):143-53.
[4]
Compton FH, Beagrie GS. Inhibitory effect of benzethonium and zinc chloride mouthrinses on human dental plaque and gingivitis. J Clin Periodontol. 1975 Feb;2(1):33-43.
All products are stocked and shipped from the SF Bay, California, USA via FedEx, UPS or DHL.
All batches backed with full quality assurance.
⚠️
All products are for research and development use only, not for any other uses, and must be handled by technically-qualified persons.
These products are explicitly not intended to be used in foods and/or cosmetics and/or drugs (human and veterinary) and/or consumer products and/or biocides and/or pesticides of any kind unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Products are not sold to individuals. We do not ship to residential addresses. Consumer orders will be cancelled without notice.
New customers undergo an internal onboarding process. As part of this process, new customers may be asked for more information. Additional restrictions may apply.