Polyquaternium-22

What is Polyquaternium-22?

Polyquaternium-22 is a synthetic copolymer consisting of methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate and acrylamide monomers, featuring quaternary ammonium groups that impart positive charge. This water-soluble polymer is commonly incorporated into rinse-off and leave-on hair care products like conditioners, shampoos, detanglers, and styling sprays. It functions through electrostatic attraction to the negatively charged keratin in hair, depositing a thin, permeable film that neutralizes static charges, enhances surface slip for better combing, and imparts a smooth, manageable feel. The film also offers mild fixation, helping styles resist humidity and movement while remaining flexible to avoid stiffness. Its amphoteric properties allow compatibility across pH ranges, ensuring stability in formulations without compromising performance or causing buildup over time.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Hair fixative
Provides style hold by forming a film on hair, helping maintain shape, reduce frizz, and improve durability in sprays, gels, and mousses.

Benefits

Minimizes static electricity for reduced flyaways and improved hair smoothness.

Facilitates easier detangling and enhanced manageability in conditioners.

Delivers flexible hold and frizz control in styling products.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with frizzy or static-prone hair seeking lightweight conditioning.
Those with rare allergies to quaternary ammonium compounds.
Users of daily hair care routines needing better comb-through.
Individuals sensitive to film-forming polymers in hair products.
People applying styling products for humidity-resistant looks.
Users preferring silicone-free or minimalist formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use in concentrations typical for hair products by cosmetic ingredient review panels.
  • Shows low potential for skin or eye irritation in standard testing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyquaternium-22

What products contain Polyquaternium-22?

Commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, detanglers, and hair styling sprays.

Is Polyquaternium-22 comedogenic?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores on skin or scalp.

Does it work on all hair types?

Effective across straight, wavy, or curly hair for static reduction and manageability.