Title: Ingredient Watch List: Quats, the Preservatives that May Release Formaldehyde and Exacerbate Asthma
Headings: Ingredient Watch List: Quats, the Preservatives that May Release Formaldehyde and Exacerbate Asthma
Ingredient Watch List: Quats, the Preservatives that May Release Formaldehyde and Exacerbate Asthma
What are Quats?
Are They Safe?
Why Take the Risk?
Do you avoid quats in your products? Where do you shop for safer items?
Take the Quiz
what’s your skin snapshot?

Content: Quats can also cause skin irritation, and with extended use in hair care products, may encourage hair to become dry and brittle. Those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should make a point of avoiding these ingredients, because of their potential effect on the airways. When using products like bubble bath, the effects can be enhanced, as the warm water increases inhalation of the vapors. A report by the Scientific Committee on Consumer safety, an organization in the EU, noted that based on skin reactions and toxicity, one particular quat named “behentrimonium chloride” shouldn't exceed 3 percent in a rinse-off product, and should measure no more than 0.5 percent in a leave-on product. Why Take the Risk? When shopping for personal care and laundry products, it can be difficult to avoid quats altogether. Try to stay away from quaternium-15 and benzalkonium chloride, specifically. Then, do your best to shop from conscientious, eco-minded companies that care about the preservatives they use. These chemicals aren't necessary—we have a lot of natural alternatives, including tea tree oil, lemon, honey, propolis, rosemary, vitamin E, and grapefruit seed extract. To avoid this ingredient, read labels, and stay away from the following: