Polyquaternium-46
A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, film forming, hair fixing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Polyquaternium-46 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyrrolidone with methylvinylimidazolium methosulfate
What does it do?
Polyquaternium-46 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
-
Antistatic
reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable
-
Film forming
forms a thin continuous film on skin, hair, or nails — used in long-wear makeup, sunscreens, and hairsprays
-
Hair fixing
holds hair in a desired style, typically through a flexible film coating each strand
EU regulatory status
Polyquaternium-46 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Polyquaternium-46?
Polyquaternium-46 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Polyquaternium-46 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by the reaction of vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyrrolidone with methylvinylimidazolium methosulfate
Is Polyquaternium-46 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Polyquaternium-46 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Polyquaternium-46 do in cosmetic products?
Polyquaternium-46 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, film forming, hair fixing.
What is the CAS number of Polyquaternium-46?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Polyquaternium-46 is 174761-16-1.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010