Polyquaternium-22 is a synthetic cationic polymer used in skincare and hair-care formulations as a film-former, conditioning agent, and antistatic agent. It helps improve spreadability, moisture retention, and the sensory feel of products without delivering a specific therapeutic action.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional redness or stinging, typically in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports; cationic polymers are generally considered low-sensitizing. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Possible transient irritation if products contact the eyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.