What Is Quaternium-63?
Quaternium-63 is a quaternary ammonium compound created by reacting long-chain fatty acids from hydrogenated dimerized vegetable oils with a nitrogen-based backbone that carries a permanent positive charge. This positive charge is what makes the ingredient so good at clinging to hair fibers. First explored by chemists in the 1970s as a gentler option to earlier hair conditioning agents, it found its way into commercial shampoos and rinse-off conditioners in the following decade. Today manufacturers produce Quaternium-63 in large reactors where the fatty acid portion is bonded to the amine core, followed by neutralization with chloride to stabilize the molecule. After purification the finished ingredient appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid that easily dissolves in water.
You will most often see Quaternium-63 in hair care: daily shampoos, creamy rinse-out conditioners, leave-in sprays, hair masks and color-treated hair products. Its static-fighting and smoothing talents also make it useful in styling creams, anti-frizz serums and some two-in-one cleansing bars.
Quaternium-63’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on the label by offering the following perks
- Antistatic: The positive charge neutralizes the negative charges that build up on hair strands during washing and drying. Less static means fewer flyaways and a sleeker finish.
- Hair conditioning: It forms a light film along the cuticle surface, boosting softness, slip and combability while helping damaged areas lie flatter. This can make hair feel silky and look shinier without a heavy or greasy feel.
Who Can Use Quaternium-63
Quaternium-63 is generally well tolerated by all scalp and hair types, from oily to very dry. Because it is water-soluble and applied mainly to the hair shaft rather than the skin, it rarely clogs pores or aggravates conditions like dandruff, though people with extremely sensitive or eczema-prone scalps may wish to monitor for any discomfort due to the ingredient’s cationic (positively charged) nature.
The fatty acids used to make Quaternium-63 come from hydrogenated vegetable oils, so the ingredient itself is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. That said, always confirm that the finished product is cruelty free and free of animal-derived additives such as keratin, silk proteins or beeswax.
No studies flag Quaternium-63 as a risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically in rinse-off or leave-in hair products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still run new personal-care items past a qualified health professional.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make hair or scalp more vulnerable to sun damage. There are no special timing or layering rules to worry about when using it in combination with other common hair-care ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual reactions to topical Quaternium-63 vary. The following list covers potential side effects, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild scalp irritation
- Contact dermatitis in those allergic to quaternary ammonium compounds
- Eye stinging if product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Product build-up that can leave hair feeling heavy when used in very high concentrations or without thorough rinsing
If any discomfort, redness or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Quaternium-63 is highly water-soluble and sits on the hair shaft rather than soaking into facial skin or pores. It does not leave an oily or waxy residue that could trap dead cells or sebum, so the likelihood of it blocking pores is extremely low. For this reason it earns a non-comedogenic score of 0.
Because it is non-comedogenic it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One thing to note is that most leave-in products that contain Quaternium-63 are designed for hair, not the face, so accidental contact with facial skin is usually brief and rinses away at the next wash.
Summary
Quaternium-63 acts mainly as an antistatic and hair-conditioning agent. Its permanent positive charge lets it cling to negatively charged hair fibers, flatten the cuticle and cut down static so strands feel smoother, look shinier and comb more easily.
While not as famous as silicone or panthenol it shows up in a fair number of shampoos, rinse-out conditioners and leave-ins aimed at reducing frizz and adding slip. Brands like it because a small amount delivers noticeable softness without weighing hair down.
Current research and decades of cosmetic use point to a strong safety record when the ingredient is used as directed in rinse-off or leave-in formulas. Side effects are rare and usually limited to mild irritation in people already sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds. As with any new product it is wise to do a quick patch test to make sure your skin or scalp agrees with the formula.