Quaternium-15, a preservative, is one of the most used substances and is added to several cosmetics and other industrial products. Quaternium-15 is a mixture of isomers, where the cis-form is the dominant form and where the trans-form is the minor component present as an impurity. Quaternium-15 can be found under a variety of names, most commonly those of the Dow Chemical Company: Dowicil 200 (cis isomer only), Dowicil 75 and Dowicil 100 (both a mix of cis and trans isomers). The isolated cis-compound is used primarily in cosmetic applications, with a maximum permitted concentration in the EU of 0.2%. DOWICIL 200 preservative (cis form) is used primarily as a preservative in a wide variety of personal-care and cosmetic products. It is designed to provide highly effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially in water-based formulations. It is used in both leave-on and rinse-off application such as baby-care products, hair-care products, lotions, powders, and creams. The mixed product (cis- and trans-) is used in a wider range of formulations such as: emulsifiable metal-cutting fluids; latex and emulsion paints; liquid floor polishes and floor waxes; glues and adhesives. Recently, the cis-form has been classified as a CMR substance with the classification toxic to reproduction, category 3. This classification only concerns the cis-isomer:

Glyceryl 1-stearate (Glycerol monostearate), commonly known as GMS, is an organic molecule used as an emulsifier. GMS is a white, odorless, and sweet-tasting flaky powder that is hygroscopic. It is a glycerol ester of stearicacid. It occurs naturally in the body as a product of the breakdown of fats by pancreatic lipase, and is also found in fatty foods. GMS is a food additive used as a thickening, emulsifying, anti-caking, and preservative agent; an emulsifying agent for oils, waxes, and solvents; a protective coating for hygroscopic powders; a solidifier and control release agent in pharmaceuticals; and a resin lubricant. It is also used in cosmetics and hair care products. Used in antiperspirants and deodorants, baby care, body care, facial care, sun care, conditioners, facial make-up, creams and lotions-skin care, sprayable emulsions, feet, hands and nails, self-tanning, nail grooming and color cosmetics. GMS is largely used in baking preparations to add "body" to the food. It is responsible for giving ice cream and whipped cream its smooth texture. It is sometimes used as an anti-staling agent in bread. Glycerol 1-stearate is affirmed by FDA as GRAS.

Benzalkonium chloride, also known as BZK, BKC, BAC, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and ADBAC, is a type of cationic surfactant. It is an organic salt called a quaternary ammonium compound. In 2011, a large clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of hand sanitizers based on different active ingredients in preventing virus transmission amongst schoolchildren was re-designed to exclude sanitizers based on benzalkonium chloride due to safety concerns. Benzalkonium chloride has been in common use as a pharmaceutical preservative and antimicrobial since the 1940s. While early studies confirmed the corrosive and irritant properties of benzalkonium chloride, investigations into the adverse effects of, and disease states linked to, benzalkonium chloride have only surfaced during the past 30 years. Benzalkonium chloride is classed as a Category III antiseptic active ingredient by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Ingredients are categorised as Category III when "available data are insufficient to classify as safe and effective, and further testing is required”. Benzalkonium chloride is excluded from the current United States Food and Drug Administration review of the safety and effectiveness of consumer antiseptics and topical antimicrobial over-the-counter drug products, meaning it will remain a Category III ingredient. The mechanism of bactericidal/microbicidal action is thought to be due to disruption of intermolecular interactions. This can cause dissociation of cellular membrane lipid bilayers, which compromises cellular permeability controls and induces leakage of cellular contents. Other biomolecular complexes within the bacterial cell can also undergo dissociation. Enzymes, which finely control a wide range of respiratory and metabolic cellular activities, are particularly susceptible to deactivation. Critical intermolecular interactions and tertiary structures in such highly specific biochemical systems can be readily disrupted by cationic surfactants. Benzalkonium chloride is a human skin and severe eye irritant. It is a suspected respiratory toxicant, immunotoxicant, gastrointestinal toxicant and neurotoxicant.

Lactose is the most important carbohydrate in the milk of most species. Its biosynthesis takes place in the mammary gland. The molecular structures of α- and β -lactose differ in the orientation of a hydrogen- and a hydroxyl group on carbon atom no.1 in the glucose moiety. Both forms change into one another continuously. At room temperature, the equilibrium results in a ratio of about 40% α-lactose and 60% β-lactose. The fact that two forms of lactose exist which differ in molecular structure has profound effects on various properties of lactose such as crystallization behavior, crystal morphology, solid-state properties, and solubility. The intestine does not actively absorb lactose unless it is split into its two-monosaccharide components, i.e. glucose and galactose. This hydrolysis of lactose is affected by the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the epithelium cells in the brush-border of the small intestine. Thus, the capacity of mammals to digest lactose is dependent on the lactase activity in the intestine. The maximum activity of the enzyme occurs shortly after birth and declines during the weaning period, after which it remains at a relatively constant level. Genetically determined factors governing residual lactase activity also exist. Individuals having low lactase activity are called lactose malabsorbers. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have symptoms due to the decreased ability to digest lactose. The principal symptom of lactose intolerance is an adverse reaction to products containing lactose (primarily milk), including abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, and vomiting (particularly in adolescents). These appear one-half to two hours after consumption.

Diazolidinylurea is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations. It is especially active against gram-negative bacteria and is often combined with parabens. Diazolidinylurea is the most active member of the imidazolidinyl urea group, that acts as a formaldehyde releasers. Diazolidinylurea is used in many cosmetics, skin care products, shampoos, and conditioners, as well as a wide range of products including bubble baths, baby wipes, and household detergents.

Triphosphoric acid (also tripolyphosphoric acid), a condensed form of phosphoric acid. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is used as a preservative for poultry, meat, and seafood; it’s added to processed cheeses as an emulsifier and is used in food industry as an E number E451.

Monoglyceride citrate is a food additive that used as solubilizer and synergist for flavors and antioxidants. Monoglyceride citrate is effective to stabilize food such as margarine or mayonnaise, coffee creamers, and peanut butter.

1,4-Sorbitan is a sorbitol anhydration product. 1,4-Sorbitan is a precursor to environmentally benign surfactants. It is a component of Sorbitol-Sorbitan mixtures used as soft gel plasticizers. They enhance the soft gelatin capsule finish gloss for a premium appearance, help to prevent leakage, provide consistent pharmaceutical quality, and extend shelf life by maintaining a proper moisture balance within the capsule shell.