What Is Polyquaternium-67?
Polyquaternium-67 is a water-soluble polymer made by modifying 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose with tiny charged groups called quaternary ammonium salts. These positive charges help it stick lightly to hair and skin surfaces. The base material, cellulose, comes from plant fibers, giving the ingredient a renewable starting point. Chemists first explored quaternized cellulose in the late 1970s when brands were searching for conditioners that rinsed out cleanly yet left a smooth feel. By the early 1990s Polyquaternium-67 had found a place in salon shampoos and conditioners that promised weightless softness.
Manufacturing starts with purified cellulose that is reacted with ethylene oxide to form hydroxyethyl cellulose. This backbone is then treated with two different quaternary ammonium compounds: one short-chain and one long-chain. The mix of short and long tails balances light conditioning with a silky finish. After neutralization and filtration the polymer is dried or left in aqueous solution, ready to be blended into formulas.
You will most often see Polyquaternium-67 in rinse-off and leave-in hair conditioners, shampoos, detangling sprays, styling creams, mousses, color-protecting treatments and curl-defining masks. It also appears in some body washes and shave gels where a smooth glide is desirable.
Polyquaternium-67’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators include Polyquaternium-67 because it tackles several performance needs at once.
- Antistatic: The positive charges neutralize stray negative charges on hair fibers, cutting down flyaways and static cling especially in dry weather or after heat styling
- Film forming: It lays down an invisible flexible layer that helps lock in moisture, boosts shine and provides light hold without stiffness
- Hair conditioning: The polymer smooths the cuticle, improves combability, reduces breakage during brushing and leaves hair feeling soft and silky
Who Can Use Polyquaternium-67
Polyquaternium-67 is considered gentle enough for all skin and scalp types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it is water soluble and rinses away cleanly without clogging pores or leaving heavy residue. People prone to product build-up may still appreciate using a clarifying shampoo from time to time but most users find the polymer light and non-greasy.
The ingredient is made from plant-sourced cellulose reacted with fully synthetic quaternary ammonium salts so it contains no animal derivatives. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product is also free of animal ingredients and not tested on animals according to brand policy.
There is no evidence that topical Polyquaternium-67 poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used in rinse-off or leave-in hair products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any personal care product to a qualified healthcare professional before using it just to be safe.
Polyquaternium-67 does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special need for extra sun protection beyond normal daily habits. It can be used on color-treated or chemically processed hair without fading dyes or interfering with perms.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical Polyquaternium-67 differ from one person to another. The points below list potential issues yet they are uncommon and most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation such as itching or redness in individuals who are sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where a true allergy to the polymer or residual processing agents exists
- Eye stinging if a concentrated shampoo or styling product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Product build-up leading to dullness or limp feel when very high levels are used repeatedly without clarifying cleansers
If any discomfort or adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Polyquaternium-67 is a large water soluble molecule that does not penetrate pores or leave an oily film, so it is highly unlikely to trap sebum or debris that could lead to clogged follicles. It rinses away cleanly in shampoo and conditioner formulas and leaves only a lightweight, breathable layer when used in leave-ins. For these reasons it is generally considered safe for people who break out easily.
Because most products containing this polymer are used on the hair and then rinsed off, skin exposure is brief and minimal, further lowering any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Polyquaternium-67 works as an antistatic agent, a film former and a hair conditioner. The positive charges on the polymer neutralize static, the flexible film it creates locks in moisture and adds shine and the smooth coating on the cuticle makes combing easier and reduces breakage.
It shows up in many salon and mass-market hair products, though it is less talked about than buzzier ingredients like keratin or argan oil. Formulators appreciate its reliable performance, which is why you will often find it in ingredient lists even if the marketing focuses on something else.
Safety studies and decades of use suggest a low irritation profile with no meaningful comedogenicity. Still, skin chemistry varies, so it is wise to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Polyquaternium-67.