PEG-10 Stearyl Benzonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound containing a benzyl group, a stearyl chain, and a PEG-10 chain. The benzyl group provides some antimicrobial activity, giving this ingredient dual functionality as a conditioning agent and preservative system aid in hair care products.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Conditioning — improves hair texture and manageability
+ Antimicrobial — benzyl group provides preservative-boosting properties
+ Antistatic — reduces static charge on hair
Pros
+ Dual function — conditions and aids preservation
+ Effective at low use concentrations (0.3-1.5%)
+ Compatible with nonionic and cationic systems
Cons
− Synthetic — chemically manufactured
− Benzyl quats may cause irritation at high levels
− Incompatible with anionic surfactants
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Hair
Product Type
Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
2/5
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
EWG Score
3/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Shampoos
0.3 - 1%
Conditioners
0.5 - 1.5%
Hair tonics
0.3 - 1%
References
CIR (2010) — Safety Assessment of PEGs. https://www.cir-safety.org/
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/