Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Polyquaternium-7

Merquat 550 / PQ-7

Safety Notes

Cationic polymer; hair conditioning; anti-static; widely used in combination with anionic surfactants; improves wet combing; synthetic

Function & Common Use

Function

Conditioning Agent (Cationic polymer)

Category

Conditioning Agent

Common In

Shampoos conditioners

Origin

Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

no formal limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polyquaternium-7 safe to use in skincare?

Polyquaternium-7 has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Cationic polymer; hair conditioning; anti-static; widely used in combination with anionic surfactants; improves wet combing; synthetic

Is Polyquaternium-7 allowed in India?

Polyquaternium-7 is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is no formal limit.

What is Polyquaternium-7 used for in cosmetics?

Polyquaternium-7 functions as: Conditioning Agent (Cationic polymer). It is commonly found in: Shampoos conditioners.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS26590-05-6
ECN/A

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