At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about polyquaternium-7. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 is a synthetic cationic polymer. In ORY® products, it gives shampoos and body washes a silky, slippery feel and creamy lather and helps hair comb easily. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that polyquaternium-7 is safe as used in cosmetics and considered the residual acrylamide levels reported to it too low to be of toxicological significance.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 is a copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride, supplied as a clear water solution. |
Verification: Supported. Because it is made from acrylamide, ORY® buys only low-residual grades that meet EU limits (≤0.1 mg/kg in leave-on body products and ≤0.5 mg/kg in other products), with a certificate of analysis.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: Residual monomer data.
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (polyacrylamides: residual acrylamide ≤0.1 mg/kg in leave-on body products and ≤0.5 mg/kg in other cosmetic products). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
- What it shows: EU residual acrylamide limits.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 suits all skin types in rinse-off products. |
Verification: Supported. It is a formulation ingredient that improves cleanser feel.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: Safety data.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, polyquaternium-7 gives slip and shine from shampoo and helps hair comb easily. |
Verification: Supported. In shampoos, cationic polymers and surfactants form a complex (coacervate) that deposits on hair as the product is diluted during rinsing.
Citations:
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Review of conditioning polymers.
- Goddard, E. D. (2002). Polymer/surfactant interaction: Interfacial aspects. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 256(1), 228–235. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.2001.8066
- What it shows: Polymer–surfactant interaction.
- Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair (5th ed.). Springer (reference book). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0
- What it shows: Reference text.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
5. Benefits
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 gives a silky feel, creamy lather, and easier combing. |
Verification: Supported. These are cosmetic conditioning and feel effects.
Citations:
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Conditioning.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 is used in ORY® Haircare, cleansers, cosmetics, and liquid and syndet soap. |
Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–3% (as supplied) | Body washes, facial cleansers, and shaving gels. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% shampoo; 1–5% styling | Shampoos, co-washes, and styling products. |
| Handmade Soap line | 0.5–3% | Liquid soap, syndet bars, and shampoo bars (not cold-process bars). |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Makeup-removing cleansers, mascaras, and setting sprays. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
7. Pros
Claim: An inexpensive, effective conditioning polymer with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by hair science and CIR review.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Performance.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
8. Cons
Claim: Polyquaternium-7 requires acrylamide control and is not biodegradable. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Residual acrylamide. Certified low-residual grades only.
- Synthetic. Not readily biodegradable; not COSMOS-approved.
- Buildup at high levels.
- Not for cold-process soap.
Citations:
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (polyacrylamides: residual acrylamide ≤0.1 mg/kg in leave-on body products and ≤0.5 mg/kg in other cosmetic products). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
- What it shows: Acrylamide limits.
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (polyacrylamides: residual acrylamide ≤0.1 mg/kg in leave-on body products and ≤0.5 mg/kg in other cosmetic products). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: Polyquaternium-7 is used in liquid soap, syndet bars, and shampoo bars, not in cold-process soap. Syndet and shampoo bars are cosmetics under FDA rules.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1995). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-7. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 14(6), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915819509010307
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Goddard, E. D. (2002). Polymer/surfactant interaction: Interfacial aspects. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 256(1), 228–235. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.2001.8066
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair (5th ed.). Springer (reference book). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0
Government and regulatory sources
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (polyacrylamides: residual acrylamide ≤0.1 mg/kg in leave-on body products and ≤0.5 mg/kg in other cosmetic products). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
