Polyquaternium-6
AKA “Polyquaternium 6, PQ-6”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyquaternium-6
AKA: Polyquaternium 6, PQ-6
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight conditioning agent that reduces frizz and static while creating a smooth, protective layer on hair. Leaves strands feeling soft and manageable.
CAS #
26062-79-3
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.
Reduces Static
Creates Protective Barrier
Fights Bacteria
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Traditional Use
A synthetic quaternary ammonium polymer introduced in cosmetics as a hair conditioning and antistatic agent. Created to provide film-forming and conditioning benefits in hair care formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-6 as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Polyquaternium-6
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyquaternium-61
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyquaternium-63
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyquaternium-6
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyquaternium-61
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-6 as Used in Cosmetics.
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Cohen DE, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR