quaternary ammonium compound as preservative - Chemists Corner

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quaternary ammonium compound as preservative

Posted by Michelle76 on August 26, 2020 at 9:55 am

Hi, I am wondering if quaternary ammonium compound are enough to preserve a foaming hand sanitiser, or I need to add a preservative too?
thanks

Michelle76 replied 3 years, 8 months ago 4 Members · 5 Replies
5 Replies

ozgirl

Member
August 26, 2020 at 10:35 pm

What surfactants are you using? Quaternary ammonium compounds are incompatible with anionic surfactants.
Cafe33

Member
August 29, 2020 at 9:26 pm

This is an answer that I am also after. Purell has a foaming hand sanitizer with 0.13% BZK and Decyl Glucoside. It also contains Parabens
Michelle76

Member
August 30, 2020 at 10:20 am

I am using coco betaine. I have tried to use coco glucoside but the viscosity is too high and it doesn’t work with the pump.
ketchito

Member
August 30, 2020 at 9:54 pm

Hi Michelle. Quaternary ammonium compounds are not so good against some microorganisms, and that’s why you need higher amounts than with other preservatives, to reach the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration).

So, the answer is yes, but you need high amounts of quats. It’s always better to mix it with another antimicrobial.
Michelle76

Member
August 31, 2020 at 1:54 am

ketchito said:

Hi Michelle. Quaternary ammonium compounds are not so good against some microorganisms, and that’s why you need higher amounts than with other preservatives, to reach the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration).

So, the answer is yes, but you need high amounts of quats. It’s always better to mix it with another antimicrobial.

thank you

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