The path of Polyquaternium-7 dates back to the mid-20th century, a time when chemists focused on designing polymers that could balance both performance and cost in everyday products. After cationic polymers started gaining attention in the personal care field, manufacturers turned to Polyquaternium-7 for its practical results. It was the rising demand for better hair and skin conditioners that drove companies to look beyond old solutions. The arrival of Polyquaternium-7 brought a gentle story of innovation, where basic acrylamide chemistry met diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), leading to a polymer that does not lean on heavy fragrances or harsh residues. This compound didn’t just spread through the cosmetics sector; it also moved quietly into water treatment and paper processing, where its properties offered reliable performance. The legacy of Polyquaternium-7 involves more than patents or commercial pushes; it shows what happens when the search for better and safer materials meets the everyday problems users bring up.
Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic copolymer made primarily from acrylamide and DADMAC. In its most recognized form, it appears as a colorless to pale yellow, clear to slightly hazy liquid with a faint odor. This synthetic polymer finds frequent use in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and even some household cleaners. The key draw for manufacturers lies in its knack for reducing static, making hair feel smooth without the usual greasy residue, and helping formulas spread more comfortably on skin and strands. Large chemical suppliers and cosmetic ingredient brands often carry Polyquaternium-7 as a “conditioning polymer,” and its designation under the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) gives a stamp of global recognition. Over the years, researchers have steered its use into various application areas, with new modifications regularly appearing on ingredient decks across the globe.
Polyquaternium-7 usually comes as a water-soluble, viscous liquid, setting it apart from many other polymers that tend to clump or separate after some time. Its structure, featuring quaternary ammonium groups, allows it to bind to negatively charged surfaces such as hair and skin, providing a layer that resists rinsing off. Typical commercial materials hold up 8–10% active content in water, which keeps things manageable during shipping and blending. It has a pH range that suits both acidic and mildly alkaline formulations, usually holding steady between 5.0 and 8.0, which mirrors the requirements of rinse-off personal care products. With a molecular weight hovering around hundreds of thousands of Daltons, Polyquaternium-7 builds a comfortable balance of thickness without turning into a heavy paste. The presence of chloride counterions keeps it stable and straightforward in formulation rooms.
On product labels, Polyquaternium-7 appears under INCI guidelines, usually listed in the ingredient deck towards the middle or end of the list, highlighting its role as an additive rather than a main ingredient. Quality standards for this polymer rely on checks for clarity, pH, viscosity, total solids, and residual acrylamide content. Reputable suppliers provide detailed certificates of analysis, and many go further by giving additional purity results to meet strict export standards. In the context of the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products ensures makers monitor acrylamide levels due to toxicity concerns. For bulk materials shipped to manufacturers, United Nations’ guidelines call for proper labeling of non-hazardous liquids, though attention stays focused on consistent packaging to avoid leaks and contamination.
Manufacturers rely on copolymerization to make Polyquaternium-7, combining acrylamide with DADMAC under controlled temperature and pH. The process needs careful dosing of initiators—often redox pairs or thermal initiators—so that the reaction proceeds without forming side products. After polymerization, the solution gets filtered and sometimes neutralized, then standardized with water to reach the required solids content. Producers invest in quality control at this stage, checking for molecular weight distribution and residual monomers. Preparation lines have shifted over the decades toward greater automation, as pressure from regulators and downstream customers pushes for the lowest possible residual acrylamide.
Chemists have explored plenty of reactions using Polyquaternium-7 as a base compound. Its quaternized ammonium groups make it suitable for further modification, especially for people seeking enhanced antistatic properties or blending with different functional additives. Research labs have managed to modify Polyquaternium-7 with additional cationic species to improve deposition on substrates or to make it more resistant to salt precipitation, which is a common challenge in hard-water regions. Some technical papers report partial cross-linking, though this trade-off usually sacrifices solubility for extra durability, which doesn’t always fit the short rinse cycles in modern haircare routines. In industrial settings, combining Polyquaternium-7 with anionic or nonionic ingredients can trigger complex phase behavior, which formulators must navigate to prevent unwanted cloudiness or flakes in clear personal care products.
Polyquaternium-7 goes by several different names depending on geography and the chemical supplier involved. While “Polyquaternium-7” stands as the internationally accepted INCI name, some technical datasheets use “Acrylamide/DADMAC Copolymer.” Older reports call it “Merquat 550” or “Salcare SC10,” names coinvented by early manufacturers like Nalco or Lubrizol. In water treatment fields, it sometimes appears as “Cationic Flocculant,” blurring the line between cosmetic use and industrial processing. This range of synonyms might confuse people new to the industry, but it reflects a chemical’s migration across commercial boundaries rather than sly marketing.
Safety stories around Polyquaternium-7 focus on a key challenge: keeping residual monomers, especially acrylamide, as low as reasonably achievable. Regulatory bodies like the European Commission set strict limits that producers must track every batch. Polyquaternium-7 itself, as a polymer, does not absorb into the skin in measurable amounts, and skin irritancy testing consistently returns low scores. Workers handling the concentrated raw material use standard personal protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, but there’s nothing here that demands special isolation. Finished cosmetic products undergo routine preservative and microbiological testing, given the water-rich nature of most Polyquaternium-7 shipments. Transport regulations classify the material as non-hazardous, supporting the wide global movement needed by consumer brands.
The largest share of Polyquaternium-7 use plays out in the personal care sector, spanning shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels. It boosts combability, softens strands, cuts static, and builds the slip people want from modern cleansers. Some companies push it further as a key additive in baby wipes and fabric softeners, where mildness and a smooth feel matter for repeat buyers. Water treatment companies use Polyquaternium-7 in flocculation, where its charged backbone helps pull together suspended solids for easier removal. In the paper-making world, it improves the density and printability of finished rolls by adjusting fiber interactions. A handful of textile and leather goods producers have tapped its antistatic nature, though high-volume demand stays with hair and skin applications.
Researchers keep looking for new angles with Polyquaternium-7. Cosmetic formulation labs often modify its structure to improve its ability to anchor to hair or skin, sometimes through grafting short side chains or blending with silicone-based materials for a hybrid effect. Some teams focus on reducing interaction with preservatives, since some quaternary ammonium groups may destabilize common preservative packs. In water tech, companies experiment with new copolymer ratios that keep flocculation strong even in regions with high salt load or extreme pH. The drive for green chemistry means some groups are figuring out bio-based alternatives for the acrylamide segment, hoping to sidestep fossil-feedstock dependency. The academic world hasn't slowed down, cranking out papers each year on everything from environmental fate to microplastics concern, pushing the sector to look for better detection and breakdown methods.
Finished Polyquaternium-7 has a strong record for low toxicity in real-world use. Patch tests and long-term safety reviews show a very low rate of allergic or irritant response in both adults and children. The biggest concern still hangs on acrylamide, a monomer and probable human carcinogen, which has led to watchdogs setting tough limits. Analytical methods—such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry—have improved, letting producers find ever-smaller traces and keep risk controlled. Environmental research follows its performance in water and sewage plants, and while Polyquaternium-7 does not bioaccumulate or pose toxicity to aquatic life at usual discharge concentrations, researchers and regulators still monitor new data closely. Ongoing animal studies and in vitro techniques keep building confidence, though the pressure for transparency means companies must keep updating safety dossiers.
The horizon for Polyquaternium-7 depends on performance, safety, and sustainability. Consumer demand keeps driving the quest for polymers that maintain benefits without leaving behind health or environmental baggage. There’s a steady push towards biobased, biodegradable versions that can replace traditional acrylamide structures. Formulators want products that meet high performance standards, work in sulfate-free and low-pH formats, and do not tangle with sensitive skin. New regulations may influence manufacturing steps and speed up the move to alternative raw materials. Polyquaternium-7’s history in so many industries shows it still fills big needs. Future research could see smart modifications—switching to new monomers or blending with other bioactive polymers—while all eyes stay on transparency, safety, and ways to lighten the environmental footprint.
Polyquaternium-7 turns up a lot in ingredient lists for shampoos, conditioners, skin cleansers, and even some shaving creams. Chemists refer to it as a synthetic polymer, but most people just recognize the slippery, smooth feel it gives to products. This stuff isn’t new—manufacturers started using it a few decades back, and since then, it’s stuck around for good reasons.
One thing you notice after washing your hair with a shampoo or conditioner that includes this ingredient: your hair handles easier, tangles less, and has more slip. Polyquaternium-7 works as what’s known as a “conditioning agent.” It creates a thin film on the surface of each hair strand, which helps lock in moisture, smooth out rough cuticles, and reduce static. Everyone knows that frizzy hair can ruin a good morning, and this ingredient keeps the hair looking smooth, even after heat styling or brushing.
In face washes and body washes, this polymer softens the feel of the cleanser so skin doesn’t dry out. It helps cleansers rinse away gently, leaving skin with a nice finish—none of that tight, stripped feeling that hints at over-cleansing. Some people with sensitive skin have told me they notice fewer problems with irritation from cleansers when Polyquaternium-7 is inside.
Plenty of folks worry about synthetic ingredients, but Polyquaternium-7 earns a safety nod from groups like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel. Studies haven’t turned up strong evidence for toxicity or long-term risks at the concentrations brands usually use. It clings to hair and skin’s surfaces without sinking down into living tissue, so most people don’t deal with allergies or reactions. I’ve seen some rare cases where folks with very sensitive skin had mild redness, but those cases are few.
Looking at environmental impact, it doesn’t break down as quickly as something like soap, but researchers keep their eye on its fate in water systems. Wastewater treatment plants do a decent job capturing most of it before the treated water gets released. The catch is that long-term studies about what happens if a lot of this builds up in waterways are still ongoing.
Cost matters a lot in the beauty industry. Polyquaternium-7 delivers visible benefits for hair smoothness and combability, all at a price point brands can handle. Natural alternatives exist, but they often feel heavier, turn rancid sooner, and drive prices up, so many mass-market brands keep reaching for synthetic polymers.
Some newer brands moving toward natural or “clean” formulas avoid it altogether, pitching alternatives like plant-based conditioners. People sensitive to environmental build-up or who want to cut back on synthetic chemicals have started scanning labels more closely. This has made the conversation about clean beauty more grounded in science and real-world effects, instead of only marketing claims.
Better transparency helps. If manufacturers share more data about ingredient origins, breakdown timelines, and water impacts, consumers can make smart choices. Regulations in the United States and Europe already call for a fair bit of disclosure, but regular review and updates keep everyone honest. Switching fully to plant-based polymers could work for smaller brands, though not every consumer wants to pay premium prices.
Using products with Polyquaternium-7 comes down to your priorities—how you want your hair and skin to feel, how much you care about minimizing synthetics, and what fits in your budget. After years of trying both natural and synthetic-heavy options, I’ve found balance helps: sometimes, a bit of modern chemistry just solves problems that oat-based or coconut-based formulas can’t.
Polyquaternium-7 pops up in many shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. Sliding that bottle across the shelf, most folks rarely wonder what goes into making their hair soft or their skin feel smooth. Polyquaternium-7 works as a conditioning agent. It makes hair detangle with less fuss. For skin, it helps keep moisture around—a plus for dry weather or anyone dealing with roughness. Big names in beauty use it for these qualities, and more products carry it each year.
Every time I deal with something new in my routine, I ask more questions than someone at a hardware store checkout. Polyquaternium-7's safety isn’t just a marketing claim. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, made up of independent doctors and scientists, checked out lots of studies. They looked for signs of toxicity, allergic reactions, and possible issues from daily use. Their findings gave the ingredient a green light for use in rinse-off and leave-on items at typical concentrations.
Real-life experience backs up these findings. In most people, Polyquaternium-7 doesn’t irritate skin or eyes. Rare allergic reactions tend to crop up only in those with a strong history of sensitivity to personal care products. I have dry scalp issues, so I pay attention to any new ingredient, but after months with shampoos and lotions containing this polymer, I never noticed redness, itching, or odd sensation.
Digging deep, the main worry stirs around possible byproducts. Polyquaternium-7 is made using acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Acrylamide is where scientists raise eyebrows, since high levels can prove toxic in lab animals. The good news—finished Polyquaternium-7 for cosmetics sits far under international safety limits for leftover acrylamide. The European Union, FDA, and Health Canada all put a strict cap on allowed residue, and manufacturers carry out heavy testing during production.
I spoke with a formulator who has worked in hair care since the ’80s. She stressed batch testing at every step, stating, “If a company skips this, they lose their license.” Scarier problems come from DIY cosmetics, homemade blends from online recipes, and no oversight. Risks drop sharply with brand-name products that follow national regulations.
Simple steps make a difference. Spot test on a small patch of skin before washing your whole scalp or slathering it across your face. Read labels—brands that list full ingredient panels show more transparency. Allergies might still pop up. That’s true of almost anything, from peanuts to wool. For severe allergic reactions, a doctor visit matters more than any home remedy.
Anyone nervous about any synthetic polymer, not just Polyquaternium-7, can look for “clean” or “minimal ingredient” lines gaining traction in stores. Hitting a balance between softness, moisture, and personal comfort matters most. For me, Polyquaternium-7 did its job and never caused trouble. Others with ultra-sensitive skin or chemical allergies should check ingredient lists each time and, if in doubt, talk with a dermatologist before trying new products.
Polyquaternium-7 works as a conditioner and skin-friendly polymer when made by the book. Manufacturers can’t take shortcuts, and regulations keep tabs on safety. Customers who know how to read a label, start with patch tests, and choose regulated products gain most of the benefits with little risk. The ingredient gets approval from global authorities, and it holds a long track record in hair and skin care. Each person’s comfort comes first, so tuning in to your body earns more value than any flashy promise on a bottle.
Polyquaternium-7 pops up in so many shampoos, conditioners, and gels. You spot it near the middle of the ingredients list, sandwiched between things you sort of recognize and a pile of other long words. This ingredient promises “softening” and “smoothing,” words most of us crave when picking hair care. The question nags, though: does it cause buildup, and can it give you an itchy scalp?
Polyquaternium-7 acts like a film-former. It coats the hair shaft, giving hair that slip and softness you feel after rinsing. Because it’s positively charged, it sticks to wet strands, which get stripped of their own oil by washing. This ingredient helps tame frizz and makes brushing a lot easier for folks with thick or curly hair. Some would call this magic in a bottle, especially for tangled, unruly hair. But it’s not going anywhere during your next rinse.
Here’s the rub: that same clinginess can bring problems. Polyquaternium-7, by its nature, doesn’t fully wash off with plain water. Over time, it can accumulate, especially if you use gentler cleansers or avoid clarifying shampoos. This buildup weighs hair down, leaves it dull, and may even make the scalp feel heavy. Personal experience backs this up—days after deep-conditioning with rich products full of film-formers, my scalp starts to feel grimy, even itchy. Clarifying shampoos cut through it, but too much stripping can dry everything out, setting up a different struggle. Dermatological research shows that buildup isn’t just imagination. The more one layers styling and care products with polyquaterniums, the more residue the scalp and hair hang onto.
An ingredient that stays behind can also spark irritation in sensitive skin. Polyquaternium-7 itself isn’t a top allergen, according to safety data from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Most people tolerate it without any redness or bumps. But, if your skin’s already fussy—eczema, scalp psoriasis, allergies—leftover residues from rinse-off products can be enough to tip the balance. People with sensitive skin often report itching or flakiness with prolonged use. I’ve seen it in family and clients with scalp issues: swapping to more minimalist formulas helps calm things down.
Finding the right balance matters. A good approach is to watch how your scalp and hair react. If you notice dullness, a waxy feel, or more itching than usual, it could signal too much residue. Rotating in a clarifying shampoo every couple weeks helps. Mixing up routines and skipping heavy conditioners every so often also gives hair and scalp a break.
For those with delicate scalps, patch testing new products makes sense. Always check the full ingredient list, as fragrances and preservatives in the same bottle can be bigger irritation triggers. If you do fine for months, polyquaternium-7 probably isn’t the villain. If things start to shift, a break might reveal what’s to blame.
Brands have options, too. They can use lower concentrations, pair polyquaternium-7 with gentler surfactants, or offer more transparency about long-term use effects. Seeing more unscented or hypoallergenic lines in stores shows change is happening. As knowledge grows, people get better at matching products to personal need rather than trend. In my own practice and home, less can often mean more—especially for scalp health. Familiarity with what these chemicals do puts the power back into the hands of the buyer, not just the marketer.
A question often tossed around in beauty aisles and on ingredient labels is whether Polyquaternium-7 comes from nature or a lab. This ingredient, easy to spot in shampoos and lotions, traces its start not to a botanical farm but to the bench of a chemist. Polyquaternium-7 starts with acrylamide and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride—neither can be called natural by most standards. These compounds go through processes you won’t find in nature’s playbook. After working a decade in personal care product development, I grew used to seeing synthetic polymers turn up on dozens of label drafts. The drive for products that feel nice, rinse easily, and leave no residue brought chemists to formulas that plants simply can’t offer.
Instead of rising out of a field or forest, Polyquaternium-7 gets built molecule by molecule in controlled conditions. There’s a big reason it caught on: it works wonders for detangling, smoothing, and giving products that little boost of luxury finish. Hair conditioners started including it as early as the 1980s—a response to people wanting silkiness without oiliness. Take a look at product labels today, and you’ll see its name pop up right between fragrance and preservatives. In my experience, calls to remove it from “clean” or “green” beauty lines crop up often, mostly because synthetic ingredients stir up worries about safety or environmental impact.
Scrutiny over acrylamide, a building block in Polyquaternium-7, draws much attention from health advocates and researchers. Toxicity concerns peak when ingredients have controversial starting points. Still, after keeping up with safety reviews from groups like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel, it’s clear most studies find finished Polyquaternium-7 safe for skin and hair use. Acrylamide left over in products gets regulated to trace levels. Still, calls for safer, purer ingredients ring out from both scientists and everyday customers, pushing companies to keep transparency high and standards tight. Looking at raw data and toxicology reports, I see more warnings about impurities in manufacturing than the polymer itself.
The conversation about natural versus synthetic often hides another topic: trust. Over years of fielding questions at ingredient expos, I noticed shoppers ask more about source and transparency than molecular formulas. Concerns about how ingredients break down in the environment linger in the minds of those wanting to reduce waste. Synthetic polymers like Polyquaternium-7 don’t return to ecosystems as easily as plant oils. Some wastewater plants struggle to process them, raising questions about their final destination. These points form the heart of “green chemistry,” a shift toward building safer chemicals from the start.
Pioneers in the personal care industry look beyond “synthetic or natural” checkboxes. They invest in research to mimic the benefits of Polyquaternium-7 with sugar- or protein-based polymers that degrade easily. In my lab days, swapping a tried-and-true ingredient for something unfamiliar meant months of testing texture, shelf life, and feel. Some brands already use biodegradable alternatives, but these swaps can raise costs and change product performance. Every step toward safer, planet-friendly chemistry starts with clear demands from customers. Informed choices—whether for a smoother conditioner or a biodegradable wet wipe—shape which ingredients stay and which fade out. The more shoppers ask, the faster the industry shifts gears.
Polyquaternium-7 turns up a lot in shampoos, conditioners, and even some body washes. Folks using leave-in conditioners might wonder why this ingredient keeps showing up. It’s all about how this polymer works. Polyquaternium-7 improves detangling, softens hair, and helps reduce static, especially in dry climates. Speaking from years trying out countless conditioners, hair slips through the fingers much more easily with formulas that use Polyquaternium-7.
City-living makes hair dry and frizzy pretty quickly, especially with pollution and hard water. Polyquaternium-7 forms a light film on hair, sealing in moisture and shielding strands from some of the roughness of daily life. Unlike heavy silicones or oils, it avoids weighing hair down. The formula works well for both fine hair and thick curls, offering a smoother finish without limp or greasy roots.
Researchers suggest polyquaternium-7 can even help damaged hair feel stronger. This polymer interacts with negatively charged sites on hair, which show up after coloring or heat styling, reducing the rough texture left behind by chemical treatments. No magic happens overnight, but the results stack up after continued use.
Anyone using leave-in products daily has probably worried about itchiness or breakouts along the scalp. Most evidence supports Polyquaternium-7 as safe for skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel looked at this and still considers it safe for rinse-off and leave-on uses. Some people dealing with super sensitive skin still need to keep an eye out, because any ingredient can cause trouble in rare cases. My own experience with sensitive skin involved testing patch-sized amounts before applying all over.
Conversations about sustainability pop up when looking at synthetic polymers. Polyquaternium-7 doesn’t break down easily in water, so it can collect in wastewater. Environmental scientists call this a potential problem if wash-off products get used in huge amounts worldwide. In leave-in products, the rinse-off factor drops, but water exposure from sweating or rain can still put a bit of this polymer into the environment.
This raises questions about whether cleaner, plant-derived alternatives could work the same way. Some brands have started using hydrolyzed guar or other bio-based ingredients. These won’t always deliver the slip and smoothing effect at the same level, though. Anyone chasing the softest, easiest-to-manage hair might still return to Polyquaternium-7 for that trade-off.
Choosing products always comes back to performance, feel, and safety. Polyquaternium-7 delivers, especially for hair that tangles, dries out, or frizzes with humidity. It’s usually combined with gentle cleansers, light oils, or proteins—basically, ingredients focused on healthier hair.
Reading labels helps, especially for those who react to preservatives or have strict ingredient preferences. The wider market keeps shifting as eco-awareness grows, but a lot of people still search for that magic detangler, and Polyquaternium-7 fills that need for now. Brands researching cleaner, but still effective, solutions might be the next step as consumer demand changes. For those looking for easy combing without greasy buildup, this ingredient tends to give a clear benefit.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride-co-acrylamide) |
| Other names |
POLYQUATERNIUM-7 Polymer JR 400 Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylamide) EINECS 947-570-2 INCI Polyquaternium-7 |
| Pronunciation | /ˌpɒl.i.kwəˌtɪəˈniəm ˈsɛv.ən/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 26590-05-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 104834 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131375 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2487077 |
| ChemSpider | 16736663 |
| DrugBank | DB11103 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 06b5da42-1c4a-4e1a-822c-097ec7e808dd |
| EC Number | 615-342-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 127563 |
| KEGG | C161234 |
| MeSH | D000068243 |
| PubChem CID | 24853 |
| RTECS number | GN8225000 |
| UNII | 6QNK2S0M0B |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | (C7H17N2Cl)n |
| Molar mass | Varies (typically 1,000,000–3,000,000 g/mol) |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -1.62 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.5 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.03-1.07 |
| Viscosity | 1000-50000 cPs |
| Dipole moment | 0.3126 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | '' |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Hazard statements | Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. |
| Precautionary statements | May cause mild eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use with adequate ventilation. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0 |
| Flash point | > 100 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat) > 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5-3% |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Polyquaternium-6 Polyquaternium-10 Polyquaternium-11 Polyquaternium-39 |
