What Is Quaternium-30?
Quaternium-30 is the cosmetic trade name for benzenemethanaminium N,N,N-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-isododecyl- chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound. Derived from petrochemical feedstocks, it is created through a controlled quaternization reaction where a tertiary amine reacts with an alkylating agent to form a positively charged molecule combined with chloride as the counter-ion. The “quaternium” part signals that permanent positive charge, which is key to how the ingredient performs on hair and skin.
The rise of modern conditioning shampoos in the 1970s prompted chemists to look for ingredients that could neutralize static and leave hair smooth without heavy waxes. Quaternium-30 entered the market during that era as one of the lighter, water-soluble conditioning agents that rinses clean yet still clings to the hair surface thanks to its cationic charge.
Today manufacturers typically produce Quaternium-30 in large-scale reactors, purify it through filtration and vacuum stripping then standardize the finished liquid or paste to a set active level. Because it is water-soluble and compatible with most surfactants and preservatives, formulators can easily incorporate it into both rinse-off and leave-on products.
You will most often find Quaternium-30 in shampoos, 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioners, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, anti-frizz serums, detangling sprays and some styling creams. In skin care it occasionally appears in wash-off masks or cleansers where light conditioning and antistatic help improve skin feel after rinsing.
Quaternium-30’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
When added to a formula Quaternium-30 delivers two core benefits that improve product performance and user experience:
- Antistatic: The positive charge of Quaternium-30 neutralizes the negative charges that build up on hair fibers during washing or drying. This reduces flyaways and static cling leading to smoother more manageable strands.
- Hair conditioning: Its cationic nature allows the molecule to adsorb onto the hair cuticle forming a thin protective layer that provides slip, eases combing, adds softness and imparts a light, non-greasy feel.
Who Can Use Quaternium-30
Quaternium-30 is considered suitable for most skin and hair types. Its lightweight water-soluble nature means it conditions without leaving a heavy residue, so people with fine hair or oily scalps can usually use it comfortably while those with dry or damaged strands still gain slip and softness. Individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin may notice mild irritation with cationic surfactants, so they should monitor how their skin responds when first trying a product that contains it.
The ingredient is manufactured from petrochemical sources and involves no animal-derived materials, which makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product as a whole also meets those ethical standards.
No studies have linked topical Quaternium-30 to risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Systemic absorption from rinse-off or leave-on hair products is expected to be minimal. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their personal care routine with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
Quaternium-30 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin or scalp more prone to sunburn. It is also color-safe for chemically treated hair and compatible with most common styling ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects or reactions to topical Quaternium-30 vary from person to person. The issues listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient has been properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation (redness, itching or dryness)
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Eye irritation if product accidentally enters the eyes
- Scalp buildup that leaves hair feeling limp or greasy when very high concentrations are used frequently
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and seek guidance from a medical professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 – Quaternium-30 is considered non-comedogenic because it is a water-soluble cationic conditioning agent that does not form an oily or occlusive film on skin. Its large, charged molecule rinses away easily and is typically used at low levels, so it is unlikely to block pores.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin since it has virtually no pore-clogging potential.
Because the ingredient most often appears in rinse-off hair products, any incidental contact with facial skin is brief, further lowering the chance of breakouts.
Summary
Quaternium-30 serves mainly as an antistatic and hair-conditioning agent. Its permanent positive charge lets it attract to the negatively charged hair surface, forming a light film that reduces static, smooths cuticles and adds slip without weight.
While not as famous as silicones or newer conditioning polymers, it remains a steady pick for formulators who need a clear, water-soluble conditioner that works in both shampoos and leave-ins.
Overall safety data show low irritation and no major health concerns when used as directed. As with any new cosmetic ingredient, perform a small patch test when trying a product that contains Quaternium-30 to make sure your skin or scalp tolerates it well.