QUATERNIUM-15

This patient information on Quaternium-15 is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Quaternium-15. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Quaternium-15 to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will be Quaternium sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

Quaternium-15 is a widely used preservative and the most common sources of skin exposures are cosmetic and personal care products.

Where is chemical found?

Adhesives
Blush
Bronzers
Cleansers
Concealers
Construction Materials
Creams
Eye shadows
Eyebrow pencil
Eyeliners
Face creams
Hand cream
Industrial cutting fluid
Ink
Jointing cements
Latex paint
Lotions
Makeup remover
Mascara
Metal working fluids
Paper
Paperboard
Polish
Powders
Shampoo
Soaps
Sunscreens
Topical medications

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Quaternium-15 safe to use.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skin care products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer mat occur to you.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

1-(3-chlorallyl)-3,5,7-Triaza-1-azonium-adamantane chloride
Azonium-adamantane chloride
Chloroallyl mehtanamine chloride
Cis-1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-Triaza-1-azonium-adamantane chloride
Dowicil 75,100
Dowicil 200
Methanamine-3-chloroallyochloride
N-(3-chloroally)-Hexaminium chloride
Preventol D1