Quaternium-15 Explained
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.[1] [2]
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).
Synthesis
Quaternium-15 can be prepared by treating hexamethylenetetramine with 1,3-dichloropropene. A mixture of cis and trans isomers are produced.
Applications
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.[3] [4]
Allergic reaction
Quaternium-15 is an allergen, and can cause dermatitis.[5] 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.[6] It is the single most often found cause of allergic contact dermatitis of the hands (16.5% in 959 cases).[7] In 2005–06, it was the fourth-most-prevalent allergen in patch tests (10.3%).[8]
Although quaternium-15 releases low amounts of formaldehyde.[9] Even so, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to phase out its use of quaternium-15 in cosmetic products by 2015 in response to consumer pressure.[10] [11]
See also
External links
Notes and References
- de Groot. Anton C.. White. Ian R.. Flyvholm. Mari-Ann. Lensen. Gerda. Coenraads. Pieter-Jan. Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 62. 1. 2–17. 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2009.01615.x. 2010. 20136875 . 39758546.
- De Groot. Anton. Geier. Johannes. Flyvholm. Mari-Ann. Lensen. Gerda. Coenraads. Pieter-Jan. Formaldehyde-releasers: Relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy, Part 2: Metalworking fluids and remainder. Contact Dermatitis. 22 June 2010. 63. 3. 129–139. 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01715.x. 20573163. 28278068.
- Web site: European Commission notifies bans, restrictions on CMRS in cosmetics. 2 December 2019.
- News: The cosmetics industry has avoided strict regulation for over a century. Now rising health concerns has FDA inquiring. 2 December 2019.
- Cahill J, Nixon R. Allergic contact dermatitis to quaternium 15 in a moisturizing lotion. Australasia J Dermatol. 2005 Nov;46(4):284–5.
- Web site: Quaternium-15 contact allergy. DermNet NZ. New Zealand Dermatological Society. 2007-05-31.
- 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 . 10.2310/6620.2009.08097 . 19470301 . 24088485 .
- Web site: Formaldehyde. American Cancer Society. 3 March 2016.
- Web site: Johnson & Johnson to phase out potentially harmful chemicals by 2015. CBS News. 3 March 2016.
- News: Thomas. Katie. The 'No More Tears' Shampoo, Now With No Formaldehyde. The New York Times. 17 January 2014. 3 March 2016.
