Polyquaternium-45
AKA “PQ-45, Polyquaternium-45
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Polyquaternium-45
AKA: PQ-45
Ingredient · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
Glycine, N-methyl-N-[2-[(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]ethyl]-, polymer with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, compound with dimethyl sulfate
CAS #
221225-18-9
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Fixing
Reduces Static
Creates Protective Barrier
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Holds hair in place
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer developed in the 2000s for cosmetic use. Designed to provide superior conditioning and styling benefits with improved sensory profile and compatibility in complex formulations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR