Quaternium-15
Also known as: Dowicil 200, Dowicil 75, N-(3-chloroallyl)hexaminium chloride, cis-1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride
A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is the single most potent formaldehyde-releasing preservative, generating higher levels of free formaldehyde than any other cosmetic preservative. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Quaternium-15.
Even occasional use exposes skin to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Daily exposure creates continuous formaldehyde exposure and high sensitization risk. Avoid completely.
Unacceptable. Multiple products with quaternium-15 create significant cumulative formaldehyde exposure.
Health Risks
Releases the highest levels of formaldehyde among all formaldehyde-releasing preservatives used in cosmetics.
Contact Dermatitis, 2010 — comparative formaldehyde release from cosmetic preservatives
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1) linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.
IARC Monographs Volume 100F — Formaldehyde
Top 10 contact allergen identified by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Causes severe allergic dermatitis.
American Contact Dermatitis Society core allergen series
Global Regulatory Status
How quaternium-15 is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
80% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Max 0.2% as preservative (Annex V); must label 'contains formaldehyde' if >0.05%.
Details
Max 0.2% with formaldehyde labeling requirement.
Details
Restricted as formaldehyde releaser on Hotlist.
Details
Not on MHLW positive list of permitted preservatives.
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Permitted with restrictions; formaldehyde labeling required.
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Permitted with limits; free formaldehyde max 0.2%.
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Permitted with limits per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted with restrictions, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Quaternium-15
Cost-effective broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination in water-based formulations.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose quaternium-15 because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like phenoxyethanol (at safe concentrations), ethylhexylglycerin, potassium sorbate deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Quaternium-15 in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing quaternium-15 in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products are 100% formaldehyde-free. We never use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives of any kind.
