What Is Polyquaternium-95?
Polyquaternium-95 is a cationic copolymer created from three building blocks: Zea Mays (corn) starch, acrylic acid and acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride. The corn starch supplies a natural backbone, while the acrylic components bring strength and a positive charge that lets the polymer bind to dirt and oily residues. First explored in the late 1990s as a gentler alternative to harsher surfactants, it was quickly adopted by formulators looking for a mild cleanser that left skin and hair feeling soft.
The manufacturing process begins with purified corn starch that is broken down into smaller glucose units. These units are then reacted with acrylic acid and acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride in water through controlled free-radical polymerization. The result is a water-soluble, positively charged polymer that disperses easily in most cosmetic bases.
You will usually spot Polyquaternium-95 in rinse-off products where gentle yet effective cleansing is important. Common examples include shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, micellar waters, foaming masks and baby wash formulas. It can also be added to exfoliating scrubs and clarifying scalp treatments to improve rinse-off and leave a smooth finish.
Polyquaternium-95’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important role in personal care formulas: cleansing. By carrying a positive charge, Polyquaternium-95 attracts the negatively charged particles of dirt, excess oil and some pollutants. It lifts these impurities from the skin or hair and suspends them in water so they can be rinsed away with minimal rubbing. Because the polymer is mild and plant-based, it cleans without stripping natural moisture, leaving a soft conditioned feel after use.
Who Can Use Polyquaternium-95
Polyquaternium-95 is considered suitable for all skin and hair types. Its mild, non-stripping cleansing action makes it friendly toward dry, normal, combination and oily complexions, while its plant-based backbone and low irritation profile make it a common pick for sensitive skin formulas. People with very reactive or compromised skin can generally tolerate it, though they should still check the full ingredient list of the finished product for other potential triggers.
The polymer is made from corn starch and synthetically produced acrylic monomers, none of which are animal derived, so products featuring Polyquaternium-95 are typically appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. As always, certification from the brand or a third party is the best way to confirm overall product status.
Current safety data indicates no specific risk for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the ingredient is applied topically in rinse-off cosmetics. That said, this information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all personal care products by a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Polyquaternium-95 does not increase photosensitivity and it is stable when exposed to sunlight. It can be used morning or night without special sun-care precautions beyond the daily SPF most dermatologists already recommend.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Polyquaternium-95 vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet these outcomes are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Product buildup on hair or scalp leading to a weighed-down feel if not rinsed thoroughly
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a medical professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
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Polyquaternium-95 is a large water-soluble polymer that sits on the skin surface and rinses away with water so it does not clog pores or trap sebum. Its positive charge helps it bind to dirt then wash off cleanly which further limits any pore-blocking potential. For these reasons it is generally considered non-comedogenic and is suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Because the ingredient is usually found in rinse-off formulas any fleeting residue left behind is minimal and unlikely to interfere with the skin’s natural oil flow.
Summary
Polyquaternium-95 is a plant-based cleansing polymer that uses its positive charge to attract and lift away dirt oil and pollutants while keeping skin and hair feeling soft. It is most often seen in shampoos body washes facial cleansers and baby products where mildness is valued over heavy foaming power. Although not a headline ingredient in every brand’s lineup it is quietly popular among formulators looking for a gentle eco-leaning alternative to traditional surfactants.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or sensitization when used in cosmetic concentrations making it safe for everyday use by most people. As with any new skincare or haircare product it is wise to do a quick patch test to be sure your individual skin tolerates the full formula.