Polyquaternium-7

Polyquaternium-7 is a cationic conditioning polymer used mainly in shampoos, cleansers, and leave-on conditioners (typically ~0.1–2%) to reduce friction and improve feel. It is generally well-tolerated in patch testing and clinical use, with irritation uncommon at typical concentrations, though very reactive or eczema-prone patients can experience stinging/itch from cationic film-formers—especially in leave-on products or when applied to compromised skin. Given broad tolerability but nonzero risk in highly sensitized populations, it fits a very gentle (not inert) score. Safety Notes: Polyquaternium-7 is most commonly supplied and dosed as an aqueous solution (often ~8–10% active), and in consumer products it appears at very low levels (~0.05–0.3% active) in facial cleansers, body washes, and micellar-type rinse-off systems mainly for slip and reduced irritation. Typical hair shampoos/2-in-1s and conditioning washes run ~0.2–1.5% active, while high-deposit consumer conditioners, co-washes, curl creams, and leave-on detangling/anti-frizz products can reach ~3–5% active for strong conditioning and film formation. This range reflects observed OTC market usage across rinse-off and leave-on formats; higher levels are constrained by tack/film feel, build-up, and viscosity/compatibility with surfactants and anionics rather than specific EU/FDA concentration caps.