✦ 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.

Bio Shop Pakistan 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.