Is Quaternium-15 Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Quaternium-15 is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (formaldehyde releasers).
INCI name Quaternium-15. CAS 4080-31-3.
Is Quaternium-15 banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | mascara, shampoo, skin cream |
| CAS number | 4080-31-3 |
What is Quaternium-15?
Quaternium-15 is a preservative that slowly releases formaldehyde to kill bacteria in water-based personal-care products.
Why is Quaternium-15 used in personal-care products?
It extends shelf life cheaply by releasing low levels of formaldehyde over time.
Is Quaternium-15 dangerous? Documented risks
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and a common skin sensitizer. The EU restricts formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and requires warning labels; Washington State is phasing them out, while they remain unrestricted federally in the US.
Products that may contain Quaternium-15
- mascara
- shampoo
- skin cream
How to avoid Quaternium-15: safer alternatives
Choose 'formaldehyde-free' products and EU-compliant brands; look for preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate. BannedPantry flags formaldehyde releasers on the INCI list.
Frequently asked questions about Quaternium-15
Is Quaternium-15 banned in the EU?
Quaternium-15 is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Quaternium-15 in US cosmetics?
Yes — Quaternium-15 can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Quaternium-15?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Quaternium-15 automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Quaternium-15?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Quaternium-15.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Quaternium-15 or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related formaldehyde releasers
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- Formaldehyde releasers in common personal-care products — Silent Spring Institute
- Washington Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act implementation — Toxic-Free Future
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.