Cetrimonium chloride, or cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, is a topical antiseptic and surfactant. Long-chain quaternary ammonium surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, are generally combined with long-chain fatty alcohols, such as stearyl alcohols, in formulations of hair conditioners and shampoos. The cationic surfactant concentration in conditioners is generally of the order of 1–2% and the alcohol concentrations are usually equal to or greater than those of the cationic surfactants. The ternary system, surfactant/fatty alcohol/water, leads to a lamellar structure forming a percolated network giving rise to a gel.

BENEFITS AND USES- 

• It is easy to formulate into a broad range of cosmetics and rinse-off personal care preparations, surface cleaners, and other household products.
• When used in skin cleansing items, it leaves the skin soft, supple, and smooth to the touch.
• Its amazing anti-static properties make the hair look sleek, frizz-free, and shiny.
• It makes the mane voluptuous and the hair stronger.
• It is frequently used to manufacture toilet cleaners and liquid stain removers.