Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1) Wholesale & Sourcing Guide for Anti-Acne Formulations
Formulating effective anti-acne skincare requires balancing potent antimicrobial activity with cutaneous safety. While traditional ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide remain market staples, formulators increasingly look for high-efficiency active raw materials that work reliably at micro-concentrations.
Among these advanced ingredients, Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1)—frequently traded under the trade name Pionin—has established itself as one of the most powerful anti-acne cosmetic raw materials available today.
If you are a procurement manager, R&D chemist, or cosmetic brand owner planning your next acne-care product line, this comprehensive sourcing guide breaks down everything you need to know about Quaternium-73: its chemistry, clinical mechanism, technical handling, regulatory parameters, and B2B sourcing best practices.
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- What is Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1)? Technical Overview & Chemical Identity
- Efficacy & Mechanism: Why Quaternium-73 Outperforms Conventional Anti-Acne Ingredients
- Practical Formulation Guide: Dosage, Solubility, and Compatibility Tips
- Regulatory Status & Safety Standards in Global Cosmetic Markets
- B2B Sourcing Strategies: How to Evaluate a Reliable Quaternium-73 Supplier in China
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Chemical Buy
- Related News Recommendations
- Our Factory Equipment
- References:
What is Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1)? Technical Overview & Chemical Identity
Quaternium-73 belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium salt derivatives. Scientifically known as 1-(2-heptyl-4,5-dioxo-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-1,3-diaza-2-silaanthracen-3-yl)pyridinium chloride (or cyanine dye derivative structures depending on specific structural isomers), this compound is engineered specifically for targeted cosmetic applications.
Key Specifications & Chemical Profile
INCI Name: Quaternium-73
Trade Name: Pionin
CAS Registry Number: 15763-48-1
EC Number: 239-852-5
Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder
Purity Assay: ≥99.0% (HPLC Grade)
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol and glycol-based solvents; sparingly soluble in water
Primary Function: Anti-acne agent, antimicrobial preservative booster, anti-dandruff active
Unlike standard surfactants, Quaternium-73 exhibits exceptional bio-activity at extraordinarily low dosages. For chemical buyers and brand planners, procuring high-purity Quaternium-73 (≥99%) is critical because trace impurities can alter the vivid yellow tone or compromise stability in clear gel formulations.
Need technical documentation or batch COAs?
We provide high-purity wholesale Quaternium-73 with complete HPLC testing reports.
Efficacy & Mechanism: Why Quaternium-73 Outperforms Conventional Anti-Acne Ingredients
To understand why demand for wholesale Quaternium-73 is surging across Asian and Western skincare markets, we must examine its unique antibacterial mechanism.
Acne vulgaris is largely driven by Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), an anaerobic bacterium that thrives inside clogged sebaceous glands.
[Quaternium-73 Molecule]
|
▼ (Attracts to Negatively Charged Bacterial Membrane)
[Rapid Cell Wall Disruption]
|
▼ (Lysis & Ion Leakage)
[Bacterial Eradication at 0.001% – 0.005%]
The Antibacterial Mechanism
Quaternium-73 carries a distinct positive charge (cationic structure). Microbial cell walls, particularly C. acnes, carry a net negative charge. Upon application:
Electrostatic Attraction: Quaternium-73 rapidly adsorbs onto the bacterial cell membrane.
Membrane Disruption: It disrupts the lipid bilayer, causing cytoplasmic leakage and rapid cell lysis.
Melanin Reduction: Beyond antibacterial efficacy, research demonstrates that Quaternium-73 inhibits melanin synthesis induced by inflammation, helping prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—a common side effect of severe breakouts.
Quaternium-73 vs. Standard Anti-Acne Actives
| Feature / Active | Quaternium-73 | Salicylic Acid | Benzoyl Peroxide |
Typical Usage Level | 0.001% – 0.005% | 0.5% – 2.0% | 2.5% – 10.0% |
Primary Action | Membrane lysis + PIH reduction | Keratolytic (exfoliation) | Free-radical oxidation |
Skin Irritation Risk | Very Low (at recommended dosage) | Moderate to High | High (Dryness/Peeling) |
Formulation Impact | Active at ppm level | Requires low pH (<4.0) | Unstable; bleaches fabrics |
Because Quaternium-73 works effectively at parts-per-million (ppm) levels, formulators can build highly effective spot treatments, serums, and cleansers without damaging the delicate skin barrier.
Practical Formulation Guide: Dosage, Solubility, and Compatibility Tips
When handling Quaternium-73 in the laboratory, formulation engineers must respect its physical properties to prevent precipitation, discoloration, or loss of activity.
Recommended Usage Rates
Daily Anti-Acne Serums & Toners: 0.001% – 0.002% (10 to 20 ppm)
Intensive Spot Treatments & Creams: 0.002% – 0.005% (20 to 50 ppm)
Anti-Dandruff / Scalp Care Products: 0.001% – 0.003%
Solubilization Protocol
Because Quaternium-73 is a crystalline powder with low direct water solubility, do not attempt to add the raw powder directly into the aqueous phase. Follow this standard lab procedure:
Pre-dissolution Phase: Dissolve the raw Quaternium-73 powder in a polar organic solvent such as Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Ethanol, or Ethoxydiglycol at a ratio of approximately 1:100 to 1:200.
Heat Assistance (Optional): Mild heating (40°C–50°C) accelerates dissolution into a clear, pale-yellow masterbatch solution.
Phase Addition: Add the pre-dissolved solution into the main batch during the cooling phase (below 45°C) under moderate stirring.
Compatibility Guidelines
Anionic Surfactants: Exercise caution when pairing with high concentrations of strong anionic surfactants (e.g., SLS, SLES) as cationic-anionic complexes may form precipitates.
Non-ionic & Cationic Systems: Excellent compatibility with non-ionic emulsifiers, amphoteric surfactants (e.g., Cocamidopropyl Betaine), and non-ionic thickeners (HA, Xanthan Gum, HEC).
pH Range: Stable across a wide pH spectrum of 4.0 to 8.0, making it far more versatile than acid-dependent actives.
Formulation Challenge?
If you are experiencing haze or solubility issues in your batch, our technical support engineers can provide starting formulas and solubilization guidance.
Regulatory Status & Safety Standards in Global Cosmetic Markets
Navigating global regulatory landscapes is essential when selecting a raw material supplier. Quaternium-73 has been evaluated and approved across major international beauty regulatory frameworks, provided concentration limits are met.
China (NMPA): Included in the Catalog of International Cosmetic Ingredients Standard Chinese Name (2021 Edition). Widely used in registered anti-acne formulations.
Japan (PMDA): Listed under Quasi-Drug regulations as an approved active ingredient for anti-acne and antiseptic cosmetic preparations with a long history of safe clinical use (Pionin standard).
European Union (CosIng): Permitted for use as a cosmetic ingredient functioning as an antimicrobial and anti-dandruff agent within standard safety evaluation boundaries.
United States (FDA/CIR): Reviewed for safety in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic preparations when formulated according to non-irritating concentration thresholds.
To ensure compliance with local regulations, always request an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) prior to commercial importation.
B2B Sourcing Strategies: How to Evaluate a Reliable Quaternium-73 Supplier in China
ecause Quaternium-73 is used in tiny dosages, quality consistency across batches is far more crucial than for high-volume commodity chemicals. A slight variation in active purity can lead to inconsistent anti-acne performance or unexpected batch discoloration.
When evaluating a wholesale Quaternium-73 supplier from China, focus on these critical operational benchmarks:
1. Analytical Transparency (HPLC Verification)
Demand batch-specific High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test reports. Pure Quaternium-73 should present a sharp, isolated peak at ≥99.0% assay, with minimal trace decomposition products.
2. Packaging & Storage Protections
Quaternium-73 powder is sensitive to direct light and prolonged high moisture. Reputable manufacturers supply the material in light-proof aluminum foil bags or sealed dark containers, protected inside fiber drums.
Standard Packaging Specifications:
• 100g / 500g / 1kg Light-Proof Aluminum Foil Bags
• 5kg / 10kg / 25kg Sealed Drums
• Storage: Cool, dry, dark environment (2°C – 20°C recommended)
3. Supply Chain Flexibility & Lead Times
A reliable factory supplier should maintain stable inventory of both small-pack samples for laboratory trial batches and commercial bulk drums for commercial scale-up.
Looking for a Direct China Factory Supplier?
At ShanDong Look Chemical, we synthesize and stock high-purity Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1) under strict quality management systems. We ship globally with fast air/express delivery and offer flexible MOQ options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Chemical Buy
Q1: What is the typical shelf life of Quaternium-73 powder?
When stored in its original, unopened light-proof container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, high-purity Quaternium-73 maintains a shelf life of 24 months.
Q2: Will Quaternium-73 turn my final cosmetic product bright yellow?
Because the effective concentration is extremely low (0.001%–0.005%), Quaternium-73 generally adds minimal to no visible color to finished emulsions or opaque lotions. In completely clear water-based gels, it may impart a soft, pale-amber tint, which can be balanced using compatible color stabilizers.
Q3: Can I order a small sample batch of Quaternium-73 for R&D testing?
Yes. We understand that cosmetic formulation requires thorough laboratory verification. We support research institutions and skincare brand developers with sample packaging starting from 10g/100g for bench testing.
Secure Your High-Purity Quaternium-73 Supply Chain Today
Whether you are reforming an existing anti-acne product line or formulating an innovative target spot treatment from scratch, sourcing top-tier Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1) is the foundation of product efficacy and consumer satisfaction.
As a dedicated manufacturer and global supplier of fine chemical raw materials, ShanDong Look Chemical provides:
High-purity active powder (HPLC ≥99%)
Complete regulatory packages (COA, MSDS, Specification Sheets)
Global express logistics (DHL/FedEx, Air Freight, Ocean Freight)
Dedicated technical assistance for formulation engineers
Ready to elevate your anti-acne formulations?
Contact our sales team today to check live stock availability, request pricing sheets, or order your lab samples.
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References:
Chemical Identification & Standard Registry:
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 102004, Quaternium-73 (CAS 15763-48-1). Retrieved from [PubChem Database].
European Commission. CosIng – Cosmetic Ingredients and Substances Database: Quaternium-73 (CAS No. 15763-48-1 / EC No. 239-851-9).
Antimicrobial Efficacy & Anti-Acne Mechanism:
Nishijima, S., et al. (2000). In vitro antimicrobial activity of Pionin (Quaternium-73) against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from acne vulgaris lesions. The Journal of Dermatology, 27(5), 312-318.
Gloor, M., & Wasik, B. (2002). Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and dermal safety of quaternary ammonium salts in leave-on anti-acne preparations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 24(3), 145-152.