Determination of quaternary ammoniums

What are quaternary ammoniums?

Quatens are cationic surfactant compounds with powerful antimicrobial properties. Used for decades in disinfectants, antiseptics, household products, and cosmetic formulations, they work by disrupting the cell membranes of bacteria, yeast, and enveloped viruses.

They are frequently found in hygiene protocols in the food industry, hospital cleaning products, disinfectant formulas for surfaces and even in certain hair products for their conditioning action.

Why measure quaternary ammoniums?

The dosage of quaternary ammoniums is essential for:

• Control the active concentration in commercial disinfectants
• Guarantee the antimicrobial efficacy of formulations according to EN standards (1276, 13697, etc.)
• Check for residual presence or absence on surfaces after cleaning
• Ensure user safety and regulatory compliance
• Meet audit requirements in sensitive industries (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing)

Too low concentrations can render a product ineffective, while excessive residues can pose a problem, particularly in contact with food, cosmetics or in sensitive environments (clean rooms, medical devices).

What matrices can be analyzed?

Quaternary ammonium analyses apply to many types of samples:

• Concentrated or ready-to-use disinfectant formulations
• Cleaning wipes or solutions
• Rinse water after disinfection of surfaces or equipment
• Cosmetics (lotions, gels, shampoos, etc.)
• Residues on surfaces (via swab samples or rinsing)

What analytical methods are used?

The quantification of quaternary ammoniums is based on sensitive and selective techniques, adapted to the diversity of supports:

• Ion chromatography (IC): ideal for the analysis of cations in aqueous solutions
• LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry): allows the precise detection of different quats (e.g.: benzalkonium, didecyldimethylammonium) in complex matrices
• Colorimetric methods: can be used for semi-quantitative on-site testing, but less specific
• Associated standards: internal methods validated according to ISO 17025 requirements, sometimes referenced in good practice guides

The choice depends on the type of quaternary ammonium to be analyzed, the complexity of the matrix, and the thresholds to be respected.

YesWeLab: Your Partner for Quat Analysis

At YesWeLab, we provide you with a network of partner laboratories specializing in hygiene, cosmetics, and disinfection, ISO 17025 certified and, where applicable, COFRAC accredited. We support you in:

• Define the method best suited to your products or surfaces
• Ensure compliance with quality standards (GMP, HACCP, IFS, ISO 22716)
• Provide interpretable and usable analysis reports for your audits or regulatory filings
• Carry out spot checks or routine follow-ups

Our secure digital platform allows you to centralize your requests, track your analytical projects, and view your results easily and quickly.

Need to measure quaternary ammoniums in your products or environments?

YesWeLab supports you in the quality and regulatory control of your disinfectants, surfaces, and cosmetic formulations.
Contact our team now to receive a personalized quote or discuss your specific needs.