Polyquaternium-48
molecular structure · PubChem
Synthetic
Occlusive
Not Clean
Polyquaternium-48 is the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of formed from methacryloyl ethyl betaine, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methacryloyl ethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
Functions
Antistatic
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Fixing
Reduces Static
Creates Protective Barrier
Creates protective layer
Reduces flyaways
Holds hair in place
Traditional Use
A synthetic polymer developed in the 2000s for advanced cosmetic formulations. Designed to provide conditioning and styling benefits with enhanced moisturization and improved rinse characteristics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR