Is quaternium-15 in kids' shampoo safe?
Use caution with quaternium-15 in kids shampoo. It is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. In a 2021 J Am Acad Dermatol analysis, quaternium-15 caused positive patch-test reactions in 7.7% of patch-tested patients.
Short answer: Use caution. Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, which makes it a poor fit for kids with eczema, scalp irritation, or reactive skin.
What the research says
The 2021 J Am Acad Dermatol analysis Contact dermatitis associated with preservatives: Retrospective analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 1994 through 2016. reviewed 50,799 patch-tested patients. It found that 22.3% had a positive patch-test reaction to at least 1 preservative. Quaternium-15 caused positive reactions in 7.7% of these patch-tested patients.
What to check
Scan kids shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath, and detangling sprays for quaternium-15. Also watch for other formaldehyde releasers such as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea.
The practical answer
Kids shampoo does not need a formaldehyde-releasing preservative to work. Choose a shorter formula and check the preservative list, especially for daily baths or sensitive scalps.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis associated with preservatives: Retrospective analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 1994 through 2016. | J Am Acad Dermatol | 2021 |
What to use instead
For kids shampoo swaps, browse baby soap and shampoo options, then check labels for quaternium-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives before buying.
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