High concernAntimicrobial
Benzalkonium Chloride
AllergenSkin irritant
What it is
A quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant used as an antiseptic and preservative.
What it does
Disinfectant and preservative in eye drops, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizers, and nasal sprays.
Why it’s a concern
Known respiratory sensitizer; occupational asthma cases are documented among cleaning workers. Prolonged use in eye drops can damage corneal epithelium. FDA reclassified it in the 2016 antiseptic rule and continues to require safety data for OTC use.
Also known as
BACADBACalkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride
CAS numbers
8001-54-563449-41-2
Commonly found in
hand sanitizercleaning wipeseye dropsnasal spray
Safer alternatives
- alcohol-based sanitizer
- preservative-free eye drops
Sources
- FDA OTC Topical Antiseptic Rule
- Purohit et al. 2000, American Journal of Industrial Medicine