Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride?

Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound created by reacting lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol usually sourced from coconut or palm oil) with propylene glycol and a dimethylamine derivative, followed by quaternization with methyl chloride. The result is a positively charged molecule that is water soluble yet has oily tails that love to grab on to dirt and oil. First explored in the late 1970s as a gentler alternative to traditional soap-based cleansers, it quickly found favor in personal care labs for its ability to clean without stripping the skin or hair. Today it is manufactured in large stainless-steel reactors where temperature, pH and mixing speed are carefully controlled to ensure a consistent, high-purity ingredient.

You will most often spot Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. It can also appear in micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs and some lightweight lotions where a mild cleansing boost or better oil-in-water stability is desired.

Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient brings several useful properties to a formulation

  • Cleansing – its dual nature lets the oily part bind to sebum and grime while the positively charged head rinses them away, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh yet not overly dry
  • Emulsifying – the same split personality helps keep oil and water phases blended so creams stay smooth and clear gels do not separate, extending shelf life and improving texture

Who Can Use Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride

Because it cleans gently without stripping, Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride suits most skin types including normal, combination and oily. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its mild nature, though people with very dry or eczema-prone skin could find frequent use a little dehydrating and may want to pair it with a richer moisturizer.

The lauryl portion is typically sourced from coconut or palm oil and no animal-derived materials are used in standard production, so the ingredient is generally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Those following strict ethical guidelines should still check that the finished product is certified cruelty free.

No data point to special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this material is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all personal care products past their healthcare provider to be sure they fit individual needs.

Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with color-treated hair and does not interfere with common active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though most users will never experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Skin irritation – rare redness stinging or burning, more likely if the skin barrier is already compromised
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – very uncommon itchy rash due to individual sensitivity to quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Dryness – overuse in high concentrations can leave skin or hair feeling tight or rough
  • Eye irritation – may cause watering or discomfort if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If you notice any negative reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5 – Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride is largely water soluble and used at low levels in rinse off formulas so it is unlikely to clog pores. While the molecule contains a fatty tail the positive charge keeps it dispersed in water rather than sitting on skin in a heavy oily film. Most published data and formulator feedback report no uptick in breakouts when it is included at typical use levels.

That means it is generally fine for people who deal with acne or frequent blemishes.

Because it rinses away easily any residue left on skin is minimal which further reduces the risk of congestion.

Summary

Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride acts as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its oily tail grabs dirt and excess sebum while its charged head helps these impurities mix with water so they wash away. The same split structure lets it hold oil and water together in lotions and gels keeping textures smooth and stable.

It is not as famous as surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate yet it has a steady place in many shampoos body washes and micellar cleansers because it cleans gently and lends good sensory feel.

Overall safety data show a low risk of irritation or allergy when used at the levels found in finished products. Still every skin is different so doing a small patch test with any new product that contains Lauryl Pg-Dimonium Chloride is a smart move.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search