Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (BZK, BKC, BAK, BAC), also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC) and by the trade name Zephiran, is a type of cationic surfactant. It is an organic salt classified as a quaternary ammonium compound. ADBACs have three main categories of use: as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and a phase transfer agent. ADBACs are a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides, in which the alkyl group has various even-numbered alkyl chain lengths.

Especially for its antimicrobial activity, benzalkonium chloride is an active ingredient in many consumer products:

• Pharmaceutical products such as eye, ear and nasal drops or sprays, as a preservative
• Personal care products such as hand sanitizers, wet wipes, shampoos, soaps, deodorants and cosmetics
• Skin antiseptics and wound wash sprays, such as Bactine.
• Throat lozenges and mouthwashes, as a biocide
• Spermicidal creams
• Over-the-counter single-application treatments for herpes, cold-sores, and fever blisters, such as RELEEV and Viroxyn
• Burn and ulcer treatment
• Spray disinfectants for hard surface sanitization
• Cleaners for floor and hard surfaces as a disinfectant, such as Lysol and Dettol antibacterial spray and wipes.
• Algaecides for clearing of algae, moss, lichens from paths, roof tiles, swimming pools, masonry, etc.

Benzalkonium chloride is also used in many non-consumer processes and products, including as an active ingredient in surgical disinfection. A comprehensive list of uses includes industrial applications. An advantage of benzalkonium chloride, not shared by ethanol-based antiseptics or hydrogen peroxide antiseptic, is that it does not cause a burning sensation when applied to broken skin. However, prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis.