Polyquaternium-7

Polyquaternium-7 is a water-soluble polymer with a positive charge. Hair and skin carry a slight negative charge, so the polymer sticks lightly to them and leaves a smooth, conditioned feel after rinsing.

• CAS number: 26590-05-6
• Chemistry: copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC)
• Typical form: clear to slightly hazy, viscous water solution; commercial grades are often below 10% active
• Charge: cationic

Because it's a polymer, there's no single formula or molar mass.

Azlok lists Polyquaternium 7 (PQ 7) - NSA in its cosmetic raw ingredients range. The name doesn't give a pack size or active content, so check both on the product page and ask for the data sheet before you scale a recipe. See today's price per kg.

• Shampoos and 2-in-1 shampoos for softer, easier-to-comb wet hair
• Conditioners and hair styling products
• Body washes and liquid hand soaps for a smoother after-feel
• Shaving creams and foams for better glide
• Bubble baths, where it also adds a creamier lather feel

PQ-7 is one of several cationic conditioners. Compared with polyquaternium-10 or cationic guar, it is a liquid that is simple to pour into a cold surfactant base, which is why small-batch shampoo and body wash makers find it convenient. It gives a lighter after-feel than a rinse-out conditioner, so it suits 2-in-1 products and everyday body washes rather than heavy repair treatments.

PQ-7 is usually added to the water phase or after the surfactants are mixed. Typical use levels for the supplied solution are around 0.5–5% of the formula, depending on its active content and how much conditioning you want. Treat this as a typical range and follow your supplier's data sheet.

1. Mix your surfactant base first.
2. Add PQ-7 with gentle stirring until clear and uniform.
3. Check clarity: in some anionic systems too much cationic polymer can turn the product hazy.
4. Adjust pH and add preservative last.

PQ-7 solution is easy to handle. Avoid eye contact, wear gloves for long handling, and rinse splashes with water.

• Store closed at room temperature, away from direct sun and freezing.
• Keep away from children.
• Spills are slippery; wipe and rinse with water.
• Close the cap quickly after use; an open container can grow microbes, as the solution is water based.

Patch test any homemade product on a small area of the inner arm for 24–48 hours before wider use. If you plan to sell finished cosmetics in India, they need to meet BIS standards and CDSCO cosmetic rules, so check those before you launch.

Start with a small pack to test conditioning feel and clarity in your own surfactant base. Move to a larger pack once the recipe is fixed. For products sold in shops, ask for a certificate of analysis that includes residual monomer content. For 25 kg and above, use bulk inquiry.