Common Name(s): Polyquaternium-102,cationic conditioning polymer,substantive film-former

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Deposits a conditioning film on hair and skin through electrostatic attraction to negative surfaces, reduces hair friction for improved detangling and combability, eliminates static charge, and provides anti-frizz humidity resistance.

Why It's Used: Cationic polymers provide hair conditioning that resists rinsing — the permanent positive quaternary ammonium groups drive substantive deposition that persists between washes, unlike small-molecule conditioning agents that wash out completely.

How It Works: At conditioner/shampoo ph 4.5–5.5, hair cuticle carries net negative charge (isoelectric point ~ph 3.5). polyquaternium cations electrostatically adsorb to the cuticle, depositing a film that persists during rinsing through favourable interfacial partitioning versus bulk-phase desorption equilibrium.

Typically Found In: Shampoos,conditioners,leave-in products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Different polyquaternium architectures: pq-7 (acrylamide/quaternary acrylate) → leave-on film flexibility; pq-10 (hydroxyethylcellulose/quats) → strong hair substantivity; pq-83/102/103 → specialty deposition profiles. number indicates specific backbone chemistry and application optimisation.

Last Verified: Cosing database,polyquaternium-102 cationic conditioning polymer review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12