Ingredient dictionary

Polyquaternium-39

Polyquaternium-39 is a synthetic polymer with a positive charge that acts as a conditioning agent, leaving hair and skin feeling smooth and soft. It is on the label of 11 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Polyquaternium-39 does

Softens and smooths hair and skin
Helps products spread and cling
Reduces static and tangles in hair

Polyquaternium-39 is a man-made polymer. A polymer is a long chain built from many small repeating units. Its chain carries positive electrical charges, which places it in the polyquaternium family of conditioning polymers.

Formulators use it because the positive charge draws it toward hair and skin, which carry a slight negative charge. There it forms a thin, soft film that helps reduce static and makes products spread more evenly. It is common in rinse-off products like shampoos, cleansers and scrubs, where it helps the formula feel smooth and slick.

Good for

Suits people who want softer, smoother hair or a cleanser or scrub that feels silky on the skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polyquaternium-39 safe for skin?

It is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use. As with any product, patch test a small area first if your skin is sensitive, and stop if redness, itching or stinging appears.

Does Polyquaternium-39 make hair greasy or heavy?

It is meant to rinse clean and leave hair soft rather than coated. How heavy a product feels depends on the full formula, so look at the whole ingredient list to judge that.