What Is Polyquaternium-75?
Polyquaternium-75 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching tiny, positively charged groups to natural corn or potato starch. These charges help the starch stick to hair and skin, letting it do its job long after you rinse. Chemists first explored “polyquats” in the 1970s when they were looking for ways to tame frizz without leaving hair heavy. Over time Polyquaternium-75 proved especially good at forming light, flexible films that resist humidity, so it earned a spot in modern hair and skin formulas.
To make it, manufacturers react purified starch with special quaternary ammonium compounds in water. The process swaps some of the starch’s natural hydroxyl groups for cationic groups, giving the final polymer a smooth feel and good water solubility. After purification and drying the powder or liquid concentrate is ready for cosmetic labs.
You will most often see Polyquaternium-75 in rinse-off and leave-in hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, masks, curl definers and anti-frizz sprays. Skin care brands also add it to face moisturizers, body lotions, after-sun gels and sheet masks where a weightless, soft finish is desired.
Polyquaternium-75’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Because it brings several useful properties to a formula Polyquaternium-75 is a true multitasker.
- Antistatic: The positive charges neutralize the negative charges that build up on hair fibers, helping prevent flyaways and static cling
- Film forming: It lays down a thin breathable layer that locks in moisture, adds a light hold and shields hair or skin from environmental stress
- Hair conditioning: The polymer smooths the cuticle, boosts shine and improves combability so hair feels softer and looks healthier
- Skin conditioning: On skin it leaves a silky touch, enhances hydration and reduces roughness without a greasy residue
- Emulsifying: It helps keep oil and water mixed, which stabilizes lotions and creams and allows for a pleasant, uniform texture
Who Can Use Polyquaternium-75
Polyquaternium-75 is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including dry, normal and oily skin. Its non-greasy film helps hold moisture without trapping excess oil so even combination skin usually gets along with it. Sensitive skin can also benefit because the polymer is large and stays on the surface, though anyone with a known allergy to cationic starch derivatives should steer clear.
The ingredient is plant based since the starch comes from corn or potatoes and the added quaternary groups are synthetic, not animal derived. Because of this it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Polyquaternium-75 is used in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare or haircare products, just to be safe.
Polyquaternium-75 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not raise the risk of sunburn. As with any film former, very heavy use might leave a slight build-up on fine hair over time, but regular washing avoids this.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Polyquaternium-75 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they remain uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp or hair build-up that may weigh down very fine hair when high levels are used
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 0 to 1 (considered non comedogenic). Polyquaternium-75 is a large water-soluble polymer that stays on the surface and lacks the oily components that usually plug pores, so it poses very little risk of clogging follicles.
That means the ingredient is generally appropriate for skin prone to acne or breakouts.
If a finished product containing Polyquaternium-75 does happen to provoke congestion it is likely the heaviness of the overall formula, not the polymer itself, doing the clogging.
Summary
Polyquaternium-75 delivers antistatic, film-forming, hair conditioning, skin conditioning and emulsifying benefits by binding its positive charges to hair and skin, forming a thin breathable layer that smooths cuticles, locks in moisture and stabilizes oil-water blends.
It is not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid but formulators rely on it in plenty of shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, moisturizers and after-sun gels for its plant-based roots, silky slip and humidity resistance.
Safety profiles rate it as low risk for irritation or sensitization under typical use levels. Even so, it is wise to patch test any new product containing Polyquaternium-75 to ensure your skin or scalp is happy with it before full application.