Benzalkonium chloride

Updated: April 23rd, 2010

*QUESTIONS*	*ANSWERS*
*What is this chemical?*	Benzalkonium chloride, also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and ADBAC, is an organic compound that is used as an antiseptic and spermicide.
*What is its purpose?*	Benzalkonium Chloride has three main categories of use: as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and phase transfer agent in the chemical industry.
*Where is it found?*	eyewashes nose sprays hand and face washes mouthwashes spermicidal creams cleaners sanitizers disinfectants microbial corrosion inhibition leave-on skin antiseptics hygienic towelettes wet wipes Lysol ethanol-free solutions

HEALTH CONCERNS

Is this chemical a carcinogen? No.

How can it affect me? It has long deemed safe for human use, and is widely used in eyewashes, hand and face washes, mouthwashes, spermicidal creams, and in various other cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants. However, manufacturers of OTC artificial tears and eye washes became concerned about chemical sensitivity from long-term daily use and have in some products substituted EDTA as a preservative and have added “for sensitive eyes” to labeling.

There has also been concern that long-term use of benzalkonium as a preservative in nose sprays may cause swelling of mucosa and lead to Rhinitis medicamentosa. Some manufacturers have put 3-day limits on safe use of such nose sprays.

Are there controversial issues? No.