What Is Polyquaternium-83?
Polyquaternium-83 is a member of the polyquaternium family, a group of water-soluble polymers made by linking together small units that carry a positive charge. This particular grade is produced by reacting acrylamide, a conditioning monomer called acryloyloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, and a multifunctional building block known as tris(hydroxymethyl)acrylamidomethane. The mixture is then lightly crosslinked with N,N-methylene-2-propenamide to create a flexible three-dimensional network. The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid that dissolves in water and holds a cationic, or positively charged, character.
Quaternary ammonium polymers first appeared in hair care in the 1970s because their positive charge helps them cling to the negatively charged surface of hair and skin. Over time formulators discovered that by tweaking the monomers and the degree of crosslinking they could tailor the feel, thickness and stability of creams, gels and sprays. Polyquaternium-83 is one of the newer variations, valued for its balance of conditioning and thickening power without a heavy or greasy afterfeel.
Manufacturing starts with purified water in a stainless-steel reactor. The monomers are added, a gentle thermal or redox initiator triggers polymerisation, and the mix is kept under nitrogen to prevent unwanted side reactions. When the desired molecular weight is reached the batch is neutralised, filtered and preserved. Because it is supplied as an aqueous solution it integrates easily into both cold and hot processed formulas.
You will most often spot Polyquaternium-83 in rinse-off and leave-on hair conditioners, styling gels, curl creams, colour-protect sprays, facial serums, sheet masks, light moisturisers and aftershave balms. Its ability to build viscosity and stabilise emulsions also makes it handy in sunscreen lotions and sprayable body mists.
Polyquaternium-83’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Polyquaternium-83 because it pulls double, and sometimes triple, duty in a wide range of products.
- Emulsion stabilising – It helps keep oil and water phases mixed so a cream or lotion stays smooth over time, cutting down on separation and extending shelf life
- Flavouring – In lip balms and flavoured glosses it can carry or boost taste agents making the final product more pleasant to use
- Viscosity controlling – By thickening water-based systems it gives shampoos, gels and serums a rich yet easy-to-spread texture improving user perception and reducing run-off during application
Who Can Use Polyquaternium-83
Polyquaternium-83 is generally considered friendly for all skin and hair types. Its lightweight film forms without clogging pores so it suits oily, dry, combination and even sensitive complexions. Those with very reactive or eczema-prone skin might still prefer a shorter ingredient list but the cationic nature of this polymer is rarely a trigger for flare-ups.
The material is fully synthetic and derived from petrochemical feedstocks, not animal sources, so it is acceptable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products or testing are involved in its standard supply chain, although conscientious consumers may want to confirm cruelty-free certification from the finished brand.
Current safety data indicate no reproductive toxicity, so products containing Polyquaternium-83 are not expected to pose specific risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the complete ingredient list of any new cosmetic to their physician just to be safe.
The polymer does not absorb UV light or make skin more vulnerable to the sun, therefore it is not known to cause photosensitivity. It is also non-volatile so it will not increase flammability in styling products. Because it is water-soluble it rinses away without leaving a heavy buildup on most surfaces.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Polyquaternium-83 differ between individuals. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, more likely if applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
- Transient eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as small rash-like bumps
- Hair or scalp buildup that can leave strands feeling coated when very high concentrations are used or when combined with hard water
- Interaction with anionic surfactants that could cause product separation or reduced foaming in DIY mixes
If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0-1 on the 0 to 5 scale. Polyquaternium-83 is highly water-soluble and forms a lightweight, breathable film that rinses away easily so it is unlikely to block follicles. The molecules are large and stay on the surface rather than sinking into pore linings, which keeps clogging risk minimal.
This low rating means the ingredient is generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts, though extremely sensitive users could still react to an entire formula.
Keep in mind the overall product matters. If Polyquaternium-83 is paired with heavy oils or waxes the final blend may feel more occlusive even though the polymer itself remains low on the comedogenic scale.
Summary
Polyquaternium-83 stabilises emulsions, controls viscosity and delivers light conditioning by using its positive charge to unite oil and water phases, thicken the water portion and lay down a smooth film on hair and skin. In lip products it can also help disperse flavour.
While not as famous as Polyquaternium-10 this polymer is gaining quiet popularity in conditioners, gels, sprays and lightweight lotions for its balance of slip and non-greasy feel.
Safety data show it is non sensitising, non toxic and non photoreactive at normal cosmetic levels. Still, patch test any new product containing Polyquaternium-83 to be sure it works for your unique skin.