Ingredient glossary

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

What Behentrimonium Methosulfate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.

INCI: Behentrimonium Methosulfate · Also: BTMS-50, BTMS-25

Minor player

In short: Behentrimonium Methosulfate delivers conditioning and softening, earns its place for hair, and the evidence behind it is moderate.

What it does
Conditioning, softening
Best for
Hair
Evidence
Moderate
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The molecule

Tap to enlarge
Chemical structure of Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Behentrimonium Methosulfate)

No 3D model for this one. PubChem builds 3D models only for smaller, more rigid molecules and publishes none for this one, so the flat diagram is all there is.

The Glow take

Nice to have, and nothing to overthink.

Behentrimonium Methosulfate plays a quiet supporting role, rounding out a formula rather than being the reason you buy it.

— Maya

What it does

  • conditioning
  • softening
  • slip

moderate evidenceSupplier data and regulatory reviews describe a quaternary ammonium compound safe for rinse off and leave on use, conditioning as well as older quats with less irritation. Reports of buildup on fine hair are anecdotal; controlled long term studies are lacking.

On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • hair

Approach with care

  • very oily
  • Irritation riskLow

How it fits each skin type

  • DryNeutral
  • CombinationNeutral
  • OilyTake care
  • SensitiveNeutral

Often chosen for hair.

Where it fits in your routine

WhenMorning or evening
Where in the orderAfter cleansing, before your moisturizer

Plays well with

  • fatty alcohols
  • emollients
  • film formers

Behentrimonium Methosulfate, answered

Is Behentrimonium Methosulfate safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Behentrimonium Methosulfate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.

Who should avoid Behentrimonium Methosulfate?

Approach Behentrimonium Methosulfate with care if any of these apply to you: very oily.

What concentration of Behentrimonium Methosulfate actually works?

Behentrimonium Methosulfate tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.

Does it clog pores?

0/5
Non-comedogenic

No rating published; treated as 0, and used mostly on hair.

  • This rating comes from old lab tests on the isolated ingredient, not the finished product.
  • The full formula, how much is used, and your own skin all matter more than one number.
  • If you are acne-prone it is worth noticing, not a reason to avoid it on sight.

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Sources & how we reviewed this

Last reviewed July 2026. Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.