Polyquaternium-22
AKA “PQ-22, Polyquaternium-22”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polyquaternium-22
AKA: PQ-22
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Occlusive
Synthetic
Clean
Helps reduce frizz and static while creating a lightweight, invisible layer that smooths hair and improves shine without weighing it down.
CAS #
53694-17-0
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
Locks In Moisture
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Traditional Use
A synthetic cationic polymer developed for the cosmetics industry in the 1980s-1990s. Engineered to provide superior conditioning and moisturizing properties in haircare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-22 and Polyquaternium-39 as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Polyquaternium-22
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyquaternium-22
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-22 and Polyquarternium-39 as Used in Cosmetics.
Johnson W Jr, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2016
Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-22 and Polyquarternium-39 as Used in Cosmetics.
Johnson W Jr, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2016
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR