Question 1

What does POLYQUATERNIUM-67 do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a cationic conditioning polymer used mainly in hair care to improve wet combing, softness, slip, and deposition on hair fibers. It can also help thicken or stabilize surfactant systems.

Question 2

Is POLYQUATERNIUM-67 clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient has friction because it is a synthetic quaternary polymer rather than a simple biodegradable conditioner. It is generally low-irritation at cosmetic use levels, but some standards flag this class for environmental persistence and restricted-list concerns.

Question 3

Is POLYQUATERNIUM-67 sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is partly based on cellulose but is chemically modified to add permanent positive charge and conditioning performance. It is not considered readily biodegradable, and cationic polymers can bind strongly to sludge and sediments in wastewater systems.

Question 4

Is POLYQUATERNIUM-67 COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is generally not permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic standards because of its synthetic quaternary polymer chemistry. Its Green Chemistry alignment is limited by chemical modification, persistence concerns, and weaker end-of-life profile despite its cellulose-derived backbone.

Question 5

How does POLYQUATERNIUM-67 work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a high-molecular-weight cellulose ether with permanent quaternary ammonium groups and hydrophobic substitution, which gives strong substantivity to negatively charged hair surfaces. Typical use levels are often around 0.1% to 1% active, and it is commonly paired with anionic surfactants where dilution can promote coacervate formation and conditioning deposition.