Polyquaternium refers to any polymer that has been modified by a process called quaternization. This process results in changes to molecules that improve the performance of body care products. Polyquaternium may also be referred to as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) or simply quats.[1]
Irritation: Quaternium-15 is a known human skin toxicant and allergen and possible eye irritant.[2] It is also a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Formaldehyde is often the culprit of skin irritation and allergic reactions.[3]
Evidence presented in animal and human studies show that other quaternary ammonium compounds may lead to contact dermatitis. Use of products containing quats may contribute significantly to cases of contact dermatitis. Studies estimate 13 percent[4] to 34 percent [5] of contact dermatitis cases may be linked to quats. Concentrated solutions of quats may cause burns to the skin as well.[6]
Sensitization: In rare cases, quat use may elicit more severe health symptoms. A study performed on hairdressers, who are routinely exposed to quaternary ammonium compounds in hair products found hairdressers had almost five times as many antibodies to quats. Increased levels of this antibody relate to an increased risk of allergic reactions to anesthesia,[7] a serious concern since allergic reactions to anesthesia can lead to life-threatening reactions.[8] A case study reported that a woman suffered from cutaneous cell death after applying a quat-containing antiseptic.[9] Yet another case study described a man with a pre-existing skin condition who developed dermatitis due to a quaternary ammonium compound in his deodorant, suggesting that quats have the potential to induce sensitivity, especially on damaged skin.[10]
Quaternium-15 is regulated by the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union and can be used up to maximum concentrations of 0.2% in cosmetics and personal care products.[11] In the US, there are currently no regulations for quaternium-15 use in cosmetics.
Read labels and avoid products that contain quaternary ammonium compounds.
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[1] INCHEM. International Programme on Chemical Safety. Quaternary Ammonium. Available online: http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pimg022.htm. Accessed April 22, 2022.
[2] EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Quaternium-15 Formaldehyde Releaser. Available online: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705478/QUATERNIUM-15/. Accessed April 22, 2022.
[3] De Groot AC, White IR, Flyvholm MA, Lensen G, and Coenraads PJ. “Formaldehyde-releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy. Part 1. Characterization, frequency and relevance of sensitization, and frequency of use in cosmetics.” Contact Dermatitis. 2010 Jan;62(1):2-17. Print.
[4] Calnan, C D. “Contact Dermatitis from Drugs.” Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine 55.1 (1962): 39–42. Print.
[5] Schallreuter, K U, K H Schulz, and J M Wood. “Induction of Contact Dermatitis in Guinea Pigs by Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: The Mechanism of Antigen Formation.” Environmental Health Perspectives 70 (1986): 229–237. Print.
[6] INCHEM. International Programme on Chemical Safety. Quaternary Ammonium. Available online: http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pimg022.htm. Accessed April 22, 2022.
[7] S. Dong, D. S. Acouetey, R.-M. Guéant-Rodriguez, D. Zmirou-Navier, T. Rémen, M. Blanca, P. M. Mertes and J.-L. Guéant. “Prevalence of IgE against Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in Hairdressers and Bakers.” Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2013 (43) 1256–1262. Print.
[8] Brusch AM, Clarke RC, Platt PR, Phillips EJ. “Exploring the Link between Pholcodine Exposure and Neuromuscular Blocking Agent Anaphylaxis.” The British Pharmacological Society 2014 Jul;78(1):14-23. Print.
[9] August, P J. “Cutaneous Necrosis due to Cetrimide Application.” British Medical Journal 1.5949 (1975): 70. Print.
[10] Shmunes E, Levy EJ. “Quaternary Ammonium Compound Contact Dermatitis From a Deodorant” Arch Dermatol. 1972;105(1):91-93. Print.
[11] Cosmetics Info. Quaternium-15. Available online: https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/toxic12. Accessed April 22, 2022.
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