Benzalkonium Chloride is called Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC), also known as BZK, BKC, BAC and ADBAC ,is a cationic surface-acting agent belonging to the quaternary ammonium group.The product is in general use for wood treatment, carpets, textiles, hard surfaces, agricultural premise and equipment, aquatic areas, food handling/storage, industrial processes and water systems. ADBAC is also applied to nursery ornamentals and turf, and is used for mosquito control in ponds and puddles.

Benzalkonium chloride is used as an active ingredient in many consumer products. It can be used in pharmaceutical products such as eye, ear and nasal drops or sprays, as a preservative. BZK also applies in personal care products, such as hand sanitizers, wet wipes, shampoos, deodorants and cosmetics. ADBAC quats are used extensively to kill bacteria, fungi, and algae as part of sanitizer, deodorant, and disinfectant products.They are used in restaurants, dairies, food storage and processing operations, laundries and medical facilities.
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.