Encyclopedia · conditioning agent
Polyquaternium-7
A synthetic positively charged copolymer used in shampoos and rinse-offs to improve wet combing and feel.
What it is
A copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and acrylamide. It is a cosmetic ingredient.
How it works
It works the same way as polyquaternium-10. In the BASF test of polyquaternium-7, -10, -11, cationic guar and polyquaternium-44 in sulfate shampoos, every polymer improved performance. Only very high molecular weight polymers were effective in these shampoos, "surprisingly" without needing high charge density. The abstract gives no separate ranking for polyquaternium-7. Hössel 2000
What the studies show
- One supplier-affiliated comparative lab study. Hössel 2000
Side effects and safety
We found no hair-specific safety data.
Bottom line
An interchangeable shampoo conditioning polymer, with nothing to seek or avoid. We are only moderately sure of its benefit.
Studies 1
Hossel P et al. Conditioning polymers in today's shampoo formulations: efficacy, mechanism and test methods. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2000
Result: Polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10 and cationic guar all improved combing, but differed in build-up and removability.
Read the study ↗Related
- Polyquaternium-10A positively charged cellulose polymer that coats hair during shampooing, easing wet combing and helping deliver silicones, with some build-up risk.
- Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chlorideA plant-derived cationic polymer used in conditioning shampoos and "natural" conditioners to ease wet combing; it can build up on hair.
- How conditioner worksRinse-off conditioner coats hair with a positively charged layer that cuts friction and tangling; it does not repair structural damage.