PQ-7 (Polyquaternium 7)

✦ Cationic conditioning polymer that deposits on hair and skin to deliver lasting smoothness, softness, and improved sensory profile
✦ Superior wet and dry detangling performance — primary choice for shampoos, conditioners, and rinse-out hair masks
✦ Effective anti-static agent that neutralizes charge buildup and controls flyaways in rinse-off and leave-on hair formulations
✦ Film-forming action creates a lightweight protective layer over hair fibers and skin surface without greasiness or occlusion
✦ Compatible with anionic surfactants — integrates seamlessly into SLS, SLES, and sulfate-free shampoo and body wash bases
✦ Water-soluble and clear — suitable for transparent shampoos, gel serums, and toners where clarity is essential
✦ Synthetic, non-animal-derived polymer — vegan-compatible and cruelty-free by ingredient origin

Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic cationic polymer produced through the free-radical copolymerization of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). The polyquaternium class of polymers emerged in mid-twentieth century industrial chemistry before finding widespread application in personal care, and by the 1970s Polyquaternium-7 had become a formulation staple in commercial hair care. Its combination of water solubility, charge stability, and surfactant compatibility made it one of the most adopted conditioning polymers in both mass-market and professional cosmetic manufacturing.

What distinguishes Polyquaternium-7 is its cationic charge density, which creates a strong electrostatic affinity for the negatively charged keratin surface of chemically treated, bleached, or mechanically damaged hair. Upon contact, it deposits a uniform, flexible film along each hair shaft that reduces fiber-to-fiber friction, improves both wet and dry combability, and suppresses static electricity throughout the day. In skin care applications, this same film-forming mechanism translates into enhanced spreadability, a noticeably silky skin feel, and improved sensory performance in lotions and serums — without contributing to congestion or excessive occlusion.

Rabibazaar supplies cosmetic-grade Polyquaternium-7 suitable for professional cosmetic chemists, independent beauty brands, DIY hair care formulators, and soap makers working with syndet bar bases.

INCI Name : Polyquaternium-7
Chemical Name : Acrylamide/Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride Copolymer
CAS Number : 26590-05-6
Molecular Formula : Acrylamide/DADMAC copolymer — no fixed molecular formula
Appearance : Clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid
Odor : Odorless to faintly characteristic
pH (1% solution) : 4.0 – 7.0
Solubility : Freely soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
Specific Gravity : 1.02 – 1.06 g/cm³ (as supplied aqueous solution)
Flash Point : >100°C (aqueous solution)
HLB Value : Not Applicable
Recommended Use Level : 0.1 – 2.0%
Type : Cationic conditioning polymer; film-former; antistatic agent
Shelf Life : 24 months when stored sealed at 15–25°C

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions) ★★★★☆
Polyquaternium-7 contributes a light, silky skin feel and improved spreadability in leave-on skin formulations at 0.1–0.5%. It performs best in lightweight water-based serums and gel lotions where a non-greasy conditioning effect and enhanced sensory profile are priorities.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks) ★★★★★
PQ-7 is the primary recommendation for hair care across rinse-off and leave-on formats, delivering consistent detangling, conditioning, and anti-static performance. Use at 0.2–1.0% in rinse-off products and 0.1–0.5% in leave-on treatments for reliable deposition and a smooth, manageable finish.

Hair Styling (Gels, Mousses, Leave-In Sprays) ★★★★★
Polyquaternium-7 is an ideal polymer backbone for leave-in detangling sprays, lightweight styling gels, and anti-frizz mousses where static control and long-lasting smoothness are required. Incorporate at 0.1–0.5% for effective film deposition without progressive build-up during repeated use.

Body Care (Scrubs, Butters, Balms) ★★★☆☆
In water-based body lotions and after-bath sprays, PQ-7 delivers a refined skin feel and improved lotion spreadability at concentrations of 0.1–0.3%. It offers minimal conditioning benefit in anhydrous butters, waxes, or oil-based balms where its water solubility prevents meaningful deposition.

Soap Making (Cold Process, Melt and Pour) ★★☆☆☆
Traditional cold process soap operates at high alkalinity during saponification, which disrupts the charge and film-forming activity of Polyquaternium-7. It is more appropriate for syndet cleansing bars and pH-controlled melt-and-pour bases where stable polymer deposition is achievable.

I reach for Polyquaternium-7 whenever a formulation calls for a conditioning shampoo that needs to perform on color-treated or chemically processed hair without adding any perceptible weight or residue. Unlike silicone-based conditioners, PQ-7 keeps transparent shampoo bases visually clear, which matters tremendously for brands working in the premium segment. I almost always pair it with panthenol and a hydrolyzed protein because the polymer handles friction reduction, the panthenol addresses elasticity and shine, and the protein targets structural repair — each active working in a different dimension of hair restoration. This three-component stack consistently earns strong repeat purchase from customers who feel the improvement on their very first wash.

ADVANCED TIP: For a high-performance 2-in-1 shampoo, combine Polyquaternium-7 at 0.5% → Polyquaternium-10 at 0.3% — these two polymers deposit at different stages of the rinse cycle and provide a complementary conditioning range that neither achieves alone. Pre-disperse each polymer separately in water before incorporating into the main surfactant blend, then adjust the final pH to 5.5–6.0 with citric acid. Run a wet and dry comb-through test at 24 hours post-application to confirm optimal deposition.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Delivers a non-occlusive conditioning film ideal for everyday leave-on and rinse-off formulations.
Dry Skin : ★★★★☆ — Improves spreadability and surface softness but should be supported by dedicated emollients for adequate hydration depth.
Oily Skin : ★★★★☆ — Lightweight and non-comedogenic nature makes it well-suited for oil-free gel serums and surfactant-based cleansers.
Combination : ★★★★☆ — Uniform film-forming across T-zone and drier areas without contributing to shine or surface greasiness.
Sensitive Skin : ★★★☆☆ — Generally well-tolerated, but patch testing is recommended as cationic polymers can occasionally cause mild irritation in highly reactive skin types.
Mature Skin : ★★★★☆ — The film-forming effect provides a subtle surface-plumping and softening benefit well-suited for mature skin serums and light creams.
Acne-Prone : ★★★☆☆ — Non-comedogenic at low concentrations; avoid elevated levels in leave-on formulations on actively congested or breakout-prone skin.

CONCEPT 1: Detangling Conditioning Shampoo
Usage Level : 0.5%
Key Ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panthenol, Citric Acid
Result : A lather-rich daily shampoo delivering immediate wet detangling and a noticeably smooth, manageable finish after rinsing.

CONCEPT 2: Lightweight Skin Conditioning Serum
Usage Level : 0.3%
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Glycerin
Result : A fast-absorbing water-based serum with a silky skin feel, enhanced spreadability, and sustained surface moisturization.

CONCEPT 3: Leave-In Detangling Spray
Usage Level : 0.2%
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Result : A lightweight leave-in spray that eases combing, controls static flyaways, and deposits a protective protein-polymer film over each hair strand.

INCI Declared : Yes — required on all EU cosmetic products regardless of concentration
EU Cosmetics Reg : Permitted — not listed in Annexes II–VI; general use permitted under EU Cosmetics Regulation No. 1223/2009; subject to residual acrylamide monomer limits per SCCS guidance
Rinse-Off Limit : No concentration limit established; typical use 0.2–1.0%
Leave-On Limit : No concentration limit established; typical use 0.1–0.5%
Allergen Alert : No — no listed fragrance allergens or contact sensitizers identified
Skin Safety : Safe at recommended use levels; avoid elevated concentrations in leave-on applications on compromised or sensitized skin
Eye Area Use : Use with caution — rinse-off concentrations generally safe; avoid direct leave-on application near the eye margin
Ingestion : Not for internal use
Pregnancy Use : Consult physician
Child Safety : Safe in rinse-off formulations for children above 3 years; use diluted in any leave-on application
Ventilation : Not required under normal cosmetic manufacturing conditions
Storage : Store sealed at 15–25°C; protect from freezing and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 40°C
Container : HDPE or PET — avoid metal containers due to potential ionic interaction with the cationic polymer

⚠️ Residual Acrylamide: Polyquaternium-7 is synthesized from acrylamide monomer and may contain trace residual acrylamide. SCCS guidance restricts residual acrylamide to a maximum of 0.1 ppm in leave-on products and 0.5 ppm in rinse-off products. Always verify Certificate of Analysis (CoA) data from your supplier to confirm compliance before incorporating into any cosmetic formulation.

Working pH Range : 3.0 – 9.0 (optimum performance at pH 4.5 – 7.0)
Heat Stability : Stable up to 80°C; can be added at any formulation stage; cool batch below 45°C before adding heat-sensitive co-actives
Freeze-Thaw Stable : No — freezing causes irreversible viscosity loss and possible clarity change; store above 10°C at all times
Emulsion Type : O/W and W/O; primarily functions within the aqueous phase
Emulsification Phase: Either — add to aqueous phase at any temperature within working range
Compatible With : Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, panthenol, glycerin, hydrolyzed proteins, allantoin
Incompatible With : High electrolyte concentrations (may significantly reduce viscosity); high-level carbomer systems; formulations with pH outside the 3–9 working range
Oxidation Risk : Low — stable polymer backbone; antioxidant addition not required
Discoloration Risk : None under normal formulation conditions; slight yellowing possible on prolonged UV exposure without appropriate UV protection
Formulation Notes : Pre-disperse PQ-7 in water before adding surfactants to ensure uniform polymer distribution. In high-electrolyte systems where viscosity drop occurs, compensate with hydroxyethylcellulose or xanthan gum at 0.1–0.3%.

Q: What is Polyquaternium-7 and how does it work in hair care products?
A: Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic conditioning polymer that electrostatically adsorbs onto the negatively charged surface of hair keratin to form a thin, flexible film. This deposition reduces fiber-to-fiber friction, improves wet and dry combability, and controls static electricity without leaving heavy or greasy residue on the hair shaft.

Q: Can I use PQ-7 directly in a shampoo that already contains anionic surfactants like SLS or SLES?
A: Yes, and this is one of PQ-7's most valued formulation advantages. Unlike many cationic actives that precipitate or form insoluble complexes in the presence of anionic surfactants, Polyquaternium-7 remains stable and fully functional in high-surfactant rinse-off systems. It is specifically designed for this type of application.

Q: At what percentage should I use Polyquaternium-7 in a leave-in detangling spray?
A: For leave-on applications such as detangling sprays and hair serums, use PQ-7 at 0.1–0.5% — starting at 0.2% is recommended. Higher leave-on concentrations can contribute to gradual polymer build-up on hair with repeated daily use, reducing the conditioning benefit over time.

Q: Is Polyquaternium-7 safe for sensitive or reactive skin formulations?
A: At recommended use levels, PQ-7 is generally well-tolerated by most skin types in both rinse-off and leave-on applications. Individuals with highly reactive or compromised skin barriers should patch test first, as cationic polymers at elevated leave-on concentrations can occasionally cause mild irritation in sensitized individuals.

Q: How does Polyquaternium-7 compare to Polyquaternium-10 for hair conditioning?
A: Both are cationic conditioning polymers but differ in origin and primary use context. PQ-7 is a fully synthetic acrylamide-DADMAC copolymer that excels in anionic surfactant systems, delivering a soft, silky finish best suited to rinse-off shampoos and cleansers. PQ-10 is cellulose-derived, tends to produce a slightly firmer, more structured feel, and performs more consistently in leave-on conditioning applications. Many professional formulators combine both at complementary levels to achieve a broader conditioning range across wet and dry hair performance.

Product evaluation

Review the specifications, supplied grade, intended use and compatibility of PQ-7 (Polyquaternium 7) before ordering for production. Test a small quantity in the actual application and document the result before scaling.

Quality control

Inspect the received batch for expected appearance, odor, texture, packaging condition and labeling. Keep supplier and batch records, use accurate measurements, and retain a reference sample when the material is used commercially.

Storage and responsible use

Store tightly closed in a clean, cool and dry location away from direct sunlight. Follow the current supplier instructions and all safety, labeling and regulatory requirements that apply to the intended finished product.