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Moumoujus

POLYQUATERNIUM-46.

Valuable CAS 174761-16-1 / ANTISTATIC, FILM FORMING, HAIR FIXING

Polyquaternium-46 is a polycationic polymer that acts as an excellent skin and hair conditioner. It forms a continuous, protective film on the skin's surface, enhancing hydration by attracting and retaining moisture. This action improves skin suppleness, minimizes dryness and fine lines, and supports the skin's natural barrier function.

Summary

film forming humectant skin conditioning hydration boosting barrier support antistatic

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a polycationic polymer, meaning its positive charges ionically bond with the naturally negatively charged sites on the surface of both skin and hair. This interaction allows Polyquaternium-46 to create a continuous, protective film. Concurrently, it acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin to boost hydration, maintain suppleness, and reduce the appearance of dryness and fine lines, while also forming a barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss and protects against environmental irritants.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–0.5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical observations suggest a concentration range of 0.1-0.5% as an effective cationic conditioner for skin and hair. Within this range, it has been noted to impart a smooth, velvety skin feel and enhance both slip and moisturization.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyquaternium-46 exhibits a charge density of 0.5 meq/g at a neutral pH of 7, however, a specific optimal pH range for its stability has not been explicitly determined.

Conflicts

  • May cause flaking when formulated in combination with beeswax.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

No specific safety assessments have been issued by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), or the FDA for Polyquaternium-46. It is categorized as a low acrylamide, non-paraben, aqueous cationic copolymer and is not listed on EWG's Skin Deep Restricted or Unacceptable Lists, with a low rating for allergies and immunotoxicity. However, environmental classifications from ECHA indicate it is toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Polyquaternium-46 is a valuable ingredient, particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types, due to its effective moisturizing, film-forming, and barrier-supporting properties coupled with a low irritancy profile.

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