Polyquaternium-39

What is Polyquaternium-39?

Polyquaternium-39 is a synthetic, water-soluble cationic copolymer made from acrylic acid, acrylamide, and diallyldimethylammonium chloride monomers, featuring quaternary ammonium groups for a positive charge. This structure enables strong binding to negatively charged hair surfaces. Primarily found in hair care formulations like conditioners, shampoos, gels, mousses, and sprays, it serves rinse-off and leave-on applications. Functionally, it neutralizes static charges to enhance slip and manageability, deposits as a sheer film to boost shine and humidity resistance, and provides lightweight hold for styled looks. Its amphoteric nature allows compatibility across pH ranges, improving product texture and deposition on hair shafts without heavy residue, making it ideal for daily hair maintenance routines.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-2 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 smoother, tangle-free hair.

- Creates a protective film enhancing shine and style durability.

- Improves overall hair handle and frizz control in styling aids.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
- People with dry, frizzy, or flyaway-prone hair.
- Those sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds.
- Users of styling products seeking flexible hold.
- People with acrylate allergies.
- Individuals wanting conditioning effects from polymers.
- Users preferring natural or quat-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • - Considered safe for cosmetic use in typical concentrations by cosmetic review panels.
  • - Low potential for comedogenicity, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyquaternium-39

What is Polyquaternium-39 used for?

It acts as an antistatic agent, film former, and hair fixative in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Is Polyquaternium-39 irritating?

It has low irritation potential based on cosmetic safety assessments.

Does it clog pores?

Rated non-comedogenic, making it suitable for facial hair products.