Polyquaternium-73
AKA “Polyquaternium 73, PQ-73
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyquaternium-73
AKA: Polyquaternium 73, PQ-73
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Synthetic
Clean
Polyquaternium-73 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of propyltrimonium chloride acrylamide, ethyltrimonium chloride methacrylate and dimethylacrylamide monomers; Propanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-3-(2-propenamido)-, chloride, polymer with N,N,N-trimethyl-2-(2-methyl-2-propenoyloxy)ethanaminium chloride and N,N-dimethyl-2-propenamide Science: Functions: Antistatic, Film Forming, Hair Conditioning, Hair Fixing Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
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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 Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Hair Fixing
Reduces Static
Creates Protective Barrier
Conditions Hair
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
Holds hair in place
Traditional Use
A synthetic conditioning polymer created for modern cosmetic formulations. Used to provide improved conditioning and antistatic properties in hair care products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR