Behentrimonium chloride might be a mouthful to pronounce but the purpose of it is pretty straightforward, according to haircare experts. Shari Sperling, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sperling Dermatology, informed Byrdie that this pertinent ingredient “is part of the mustard plant family and commonly known as rapeseed or canola.” It has anti-static and shine-promoting properties.
Behentrimonium chloride is waxy in texture and has a fishy smell, according to Special Chem. It also acts as a hair conditioning and emulsifying instrument. Furthermore, this anti-frizz ingredient is also a “quaternary ammonium salt” that acts as a preservative primarily due to its antibacterial nature, as You Probably Need a Haircut points out.
You may have noticed that after using a leave-in conditioner that contains behentrimonium chloride, your tresses are generally easier to detangle and style. Board-certified dermatologist and podcaster Anna Guanche, MD, explained to Byrdie: “The positive electrical charge within the compound contributes to the super conditioning and allows hair to be more manageable and soft.”
Post source: The List
