What Is Quaternium-71?
Quaternium-71 is a quaternary ammonium compound whose full chemical name is (Z,Z)-(dimethyl)[3-[(1-oxo-9,12-octadecadienyl)amino]propyl][2-oxo-2-(tetradecyloxy)ethyl]ammonium chloride. It is made by reacting fatty acids derived from plant oils with amines then quaternizing the blend with methyl chloride to give the final, positively charged molecule. That positive charge is the key to its role in cosmetics because it helps the ingredient bond snugly to the negatively charged surface of hair and skin.
The wider family of quaternary ammonium compounds first gained popularity in personal care during the mid-20th century as chemists looked for gentler, water-soluble alternatives to heavy waxes. Quaternium-71 emerged as a later generation version designed to deliver a lighter feel and better rinse-off while still controlling static.
Today you will most often spot Quaternium-71 in rinse-off and leave-on hair products such as conditioners, masks, detangling sprays, styling creams and anti-frizz serums. It is also used in some skin lotions and body washes when formulators want a silky, conditioned after-feel without greasiness.
Quaternium-71’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Quaternium-71 serves one main purpose in beauty formulas.
Antistatic: Because the molecule carries a positive charge it neutralizes the negative charges that build up on hair strands or skin after cleansing and drying. This helps keep flyaways under control, allows hair to lie smoothly and makes combing easier. On skin it leaves a soft conditioned feel without heavy residue.
Who Can Use Quaternium-71
Quaternium-71 is generally well tolerated by all major skin and hair types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its light feel makes it helpful for fine or easily weighed-down hair while the conditioning charge benefits thicker textured strands too. People with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin may want to monitor for irritation in case the cationic nature feels too active, but problems are uncommon.
The base fatty acids used to create Quaternium-71 are most often sourced from plant oils, so the finished ingredient is usually suitable for vegetarians and vegans. That said, sourcing can vary, so anyone following a strict lifestyle should confirm with the brand that no animal-derived fats were used.
Available safety data shows no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Quaternium-71 is used in rinse-off or leave-on personal care products. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should ask their healthcare provider before starting any new cosmetic product just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also does not interfere with common actives like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, meaning it can comfortably sit alongside most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Quaternium-71 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished formula.
- Mild skin redness or itching usually in people with existing sensitivities to cationic surfactants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during application or rinsing
- Build-up on hair leading to a heavy feel when the product is overused or not rinsed thoroughly
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases where a person develops a true allergy to the compound
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Quaternium-71 is primarily a water-soluble conditioning salt that stays on the surface of skin and hair rather than seeping into pores. Its fatty tail is balanced by a charged head that keeps the molecule dispersed in water so it is unlikely to form the waxy plugs that trigger breakouts. Most finished formulas also rinse cleanly, further limiting pore blockage.
Because of this low rating, Quaternium-71 is generally suitable for acne-prone or easily congested skin. As always the overall formula matters, so a heavy cream containing the ingredient could still clog pores even though the ingredient itself is low risk.
Summary
Quaternium-71 is used mainly as an antistatic agent and lightweight conditioner. Its positively charged head binds to the negatively charged surface of hair and skin, smoothing cuticles, taming flyaways and leaving a soft feel without greasy build-up.
The ingredient pops up most often in modern conditioners, leave-in sprays and styling serums but it is not as widely recognized by name as long-standing quats like Behentrimonium Chloride. Formulators appreciate its light touch which is why it shows up in products aimed at fine or volumized styles.
Safety data rates Quaternium-71 as low risk for irritation or systemic absorption when used in personal care. While reactions are uncommon it is always smart to patch test any new product so you can spot individual sensitivities before applying it more broadly.