Quaternium-15 (systematic name: hexamethylenetetramine chloroallyl chloride) is a quaternary ammonium salt that has been used as a surfactant and preservative. It acts as an antimicrobial agent because it slowly releases formaldehyde, which is a preservative with biocidal properties.
Both quaternium-15 and formaldehyde release agents have been the subjects of controversy. They are often banned in US and Europe.[2][3]
It can be found under a variety of names, including Dow Chemical Company: Dowicil 200 (cis isomer only), Dowicil 75 and Dowicil 100 (both a mix of cis and trans isomers).
The isolated cis-compound is used primarily in cosmetic applications, with a maximum permitted concentration in the EU of 0.2%. The mixed product (cis- and trans-) is used in a wider range of formulations such as: emulsifiable metal-cutting fluids, latex and emulsion paints, liquid floor polishes and floor waxes, and glues and adhesives.
Safety concerns
Quaternium-15 has been banned in the EU since 2017 and a bill was introduced in the US in 2017 to require the FDA to investigate its safety.[4][5]
Allergic reaction
Quaternium-15 is an allergen, and can cause dermatitis.[6] Many of those with an allergy to quaternium-15 are also allergic to formaldehyde. At low pHs, it would be expected to release significant amounts of formaldehyde due to acid hydrolysis via the Delepine reaction. Allergic sensitivity to quaternium-15 can be detected using a patch test.[7]
It is the single most often found cause of allergic contact dermatitis of the hands (16.5% in 959 cases).[8] In 2005–06, it was the fourth-most-prevalent allergen in patch tests (10.3%).[9]
Although quaternium-15 releases low amounts of formaldehyde.[10] Even so, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to phase out its use of quaternium-15 in cosmetic products by 2015 in response to consumer pressure.[11][12]
^E. Warshaw, et al. "Contact dermatitis of the hands: Cross-sectional analyses of North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 1994–2004". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 57, Issue 2, pp. 301–314
^Zug, KA; Warshaw, EM; Fowler, JF Jr; Maibach, HI; Belsito, DL; Pratt, MD; Sasseville, D; Storrs, FJ; Taylor, JS; Mathias, CG; Deleo, VA; Rietschel, RL; Marks, J (2009). "Patch-test results of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group 2005–2006". Dermatitis. 20 (3): 149–60. doi:10.2310/6620.2009.08097. PMID19470301. S2CID24088485.
^"Formaldehyde". American Cancer Society. Archived from the original on 30 November 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.