Cetrimonium Bromide. Why Is It A Great Addition To Damaged Hair Conditioners?

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Cetrimonium bromide is a cationic compound like BTMS, Incroquat CR and cetrimonium chloride. It is very commonly used as a base for commercial conditioners.

Cetab is a different compound to cetrimonium bromide. It is composed of:

• 27-29% cetrimonium bromide and
  
• 71-73% cetearyl alcohol
  

BTMS is a more conditioning compound and a better detangler than cetrimonium bromide because it’s more strongly attracted to hair. However, cetab works better with damaged hair than BTMS because it can be adsorbed into the damaged areas of the cortex as it is smaller in size than BTMS. For a damaged hair conditioner consider using just cetrimonium bromide or cetab or BTMS plus cetab.

Importantly, note that BTMS and cetab may not work well together, they may separate.

If you are using cetrimonium bromide as your only cationic compound add oils and/or silicones and/or cetyl alcohol to improve the detangling properties of the conditioner.

Properties of cetrimonium bromide include:

• Antimicrobial
  
• Antistatic
  
• Emulsifying
  
• Preservative
  
• Surfactant – keep in mind it is cationic, however, that’s why it can be used in a conditioner
  

Usage rate: 0.5-10%; 5-7% is a good amount in a rinse off conditioner but use 2-3% if you are using it in combination with BTMS.

Interestingly, some research suggests that cetrimonium Bromide could be used as an anticancer agent (Ito et al).

Add it to the heated oil phase of a conditioner.

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