Quaternium-15

Quaternium-15 is a synthetic preservative that releases trace formaldehyde to control microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps maintain product integrity, but it's controversial for sensitization, so many brands restrict or avoid it.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
This preservative keeps products fresh but can trigger sensitivities.
Category
Preservative
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Poor

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps prevent product spoilage so items remain usable over their intended shelf life, though it carries a notable risk of irritation or allergy for some individuals, so patch testing or alternatives are worth considering.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in certain older or budget formulations such as shampoos, body washes, and lotions, though many modern products opt for different preservative systems.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Known irritation and allergy risk, including in formaldehyde-sensitive individuals; patch testing is advisable if exposure occurs. Banned in EU/UK cosmetics and still present in some other markets, where choosing alternatives can reduce sensitization risk.

Is Quaternium-15 a Good Ingredient?

Poor, because although it works as a preservative, it's a formaldehyde-releaser with relatively high rates of sensitization and irritation, so the risk outweighs the benefit for many users.

Products with Quaternium-15

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