Product Specialty Additives

Cationic Surfactant (Benzalkonium Chloride)

Cationic surfactant / quaternary ammonium compound used as a functional ingredient in sanitation, preservation, and specialty formulation systems—where charge interaction, wetting, and performance in water-based blends matter.

Common actives: 50% and 80% solutions (availability depends on lane)
Packaging: drums / IBC / bulk (as applicable)
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS available on request

For fast matching, specify your target active strength, intended application (sanitation/preservation/other), and whether your formulation contains anionic surfactants (compatibility-sensitive).

What Benzalkonium Chloride does in a formulation

Benzalkonium Chloride is a cationic (positively charged) surfactant. In practical terms, it is selected when you need controlled wetting and interaction with negatively charged surfaces and soils in water-based systems. It is commonly used as a functional ingredient in sanitation and preservation-oriented products, as well as in certain antistatic and specialty blends.

Cationic performance

Positive charge drives different interactions than anionic/nonionic surfactants—useful in specific systems.

Blend selection

Available in multiple active strengths so you can optimize dosing, freight, and storage.

Procurement-ready

Lane-based supply options for trials, spot buys, or repeat programs with consistent documentation packs.

Regulatory note: allowable uses and labeling requirements depend on the target market and application category. Buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance in their jurisdiction and end-use.

Applications

Typical usage patterns. Share your formulation context and constraints and we’ll align the right grade, active strength, and packaging.

  • Sanitation and hygiene formulations (where quaternary ammonium ingredients are used)
  • Preservation of compatible water-based industrial products
  • Specialty surface-care and maintenance blends
  • Antistatic / conditioning use cases in selected systems

Best fit

Water-based systems where cationic surfactant behavior is desired and compatibility is confirmed.

Formulation control

Active strength selection helps optimize dosing accuracy and shipping/storage economics.

Scale-up friendly

Available for pilot batches through bulk supply programs (lane dependent).

Formulation & compatibility notes

Practical considerations for stable, repeatable blends (confirm with your lab and site SOPs).

Quality & documentation

Anionic incompatibility

Cationic surfactants can be incompatible with many anionic surfactants, leading to haze/precipitation or reduced performance. Share your surfactant system for screening.

Water quality

Hardness and dissolved salts can affect clarity and stability. Include water profile or conductance targets if relevant.

pH window

Blend behavior can change with pH. Provide your pH target and buffers/neutralizers used for better matching.

Solubilization

Depending on actives and temperature, solubilizers or controlled order-of-addition may be needed.

Material compatibility

Confirm compatibility with elastomers, seals, and packaging materials in your system.

Documentation support

SDS/COA/TDS packs can be aligned to your QA workflow; share templates or required fields.

Need help selecting a grade? Share your formula type (surfactants, solvents, salts), pH, and storage temperature range for a practical recommendation.

Typical specifications & formats

Typical values for procurement orientation. Final specs vary by grade and are confirmed on quotation and COA.

Quality & documentation

Chemistry

Quaternary ammonium compound (Benzalkonium Chloride, BAC)

Active strength

Common options: 50% / 80% solution (lane dependent)

Form

Liquid concentrate (grade dependent)

Appearance

Typically clear to pale, grade dependent (confirm on COA)

Packaging

Drums, IBC, bulk (as applicable)

Documentation

SDS / COA / TDS on request

Typical properties

pH (as supplied), density, and actives confirmed by grade/COA.

Selection inputs

Target actives, formulation system (surfactants/solvents/salts), temperature and stability needs.

Notes

Compatibility screening is recommended—especially if anionic surfactants are present.

Specifications may vary depending on batch, origin, and packaging selection.

Handling & safety notes

Handle according to SDS guidance and your site EHS procedures. Avoid uncontrolled mixing with incompatible chemistries, and ensure correct storage and labeling for your downstream application.

  • Use appropriate PPE (gloves, eye/face protection) and good ventilation
  • Follow site procedures for dilution and order-of-addition
  • Confirm compatibility with packaging materials and elastomers
  • Follow local rules for transport, storage, and end-use labeling

For regulated end uses, share your target country/market so we can align the documentation pack and grade availability appropriately.

FAQ

Common procurement and formulation questions.

Which active strength should I choose?

Higher actives can reduce freight and storage volume; lower actives may simplify handling and dosing. Share your dosing and logistics preferences.

Is it compatible with anionic surfactants?

Often not. Cationic/anionic interactions can cause instability. Provide your surfactant list for a quick compatibility check.

What documents are available?

SDS and COA are typically available; TDS can be supplied depending on lane and destination requirements.

Can you support repeat procurement?

Yes. For repeat programs we align lane planning to monthly volumes and standardize documentation packs.

What packaging do you support?

Drums and IBC are common; bulk options depend on lane, region, and volume. Tell us your site handling capability.

Any regulatory considerations?

End-use approvals and labeling vary by country and application category. Share your market and use case for better alignment.

Request a quotation

Tell us the target active strength and end-use category. We’ll respond with commercial terms, lane lead times, packaging options, and documentation availability aligned to your procurement workflow.

  • Active-strength options (lane dependent)
  • Drums/IBC/bulk with structured repeat procurement lanes
  • SDS/COA/TDS packs for QA, registration, and customs workflows