Polyquaternium-46

What is Polyquaternium-46?

Polyquaternium-46 is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight cationic copolymer made from acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Its positively charged structure enables strong adhesion to negatively charged hair keratin, making it ideal for rinse-off and leave-on hair products like conditioners, shampoos, detanglers, mousses, and gels. In formulations, it neutralizes static by boosting surface conductivity, deposits a sheer film for enhanced slip, shine, and manageability, and offers flexible hold against humidity. This polymer improves combing ease and style durability without rigidity, while its compatibility with anionic surfactants supports clear, stable product textures. Cosmetic safety reviews affirm its use at common levels, with minimal residue in rinse-off applications.

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

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.
Hair fixing
Improves style retention by depositing film-forming polymers that hold hair in place while balancing stiffness, flexibility, and humidity resistance.

Benefits

Minimizes static electricity for smoother, tangle-free hair.

Deposits a lightweight film boosting shine and humidity resistance.

Enhances style hold in gels and sprays with natural flexibility.

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 with rare sensitivities to quaternary ammonium compounds.
Users needing humidity-resistant styling.
People preferring silicone-free or polymer-free products.
Individuals seeking better manageability in daily hair routines.
Individuals with scalp conditions aggravated by film-formers.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with verified non-comedogenic profile.
  • Safety panels confirm suitability in typical cosmetic concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polyquaternium-46

What products contain Polyquaternium-46?

Common in conditioners, shampoos, styling mousses, and gels for antistatic and hold effects.

Is Polyquaternium-46 safe for daily use?

Safety assessments rate it low hazard for cosmetic applications at standard levels.

Does it benefit all hair types?

Best for static-prone or humidity-affected hair, improving manageability across textures.