Ingredient dictionary

Polyquaternium-6

Also listed as: PolyDADMAC

A synthetic polymer with a positive charge, used mainly to condition hair and skin, smooth the surface, and reduce static. It is on the label of 8 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Polyquaternium-6 does

Conditions hair and skin
Reduces static and flyaways
Eases combing on wet hair
Forms a light film on the surface

Polyquaternium-6 is a man-made polymer. It is made by linking many small units of diallyldimethylammonium chloride into long chains. Each chain carries a positive charge. Hair and skin usually carry a slight negative charge, so the polymer is drawn to them and clings during rinsing.

Formulators use it to make hair feel smoother and easier to comb, especially when wet. It also reduces static, so hair lies flatter. On skin, it leaves a soft, slippery finish that feels light rather than greasy. It is usually used in small amounts alongside other conditioning ingredients.

Good for

Suits anyone wanting smoother, easier-to-comb hair or a softer feel, and it's common in shampoos and moisturizers.

Frequently asked questions

Is Polyquaternium-6 safe for skin?

Polyquaternium-6 is generally well tolerated and is used in many rinse-off and leave-on products. Like any ingredient, a person can react to it, so patch testing a new product on a small area is a sensible habit. If irritation occurs, stop using the product.

Does Polyquaternium-6 build up on hair?

Build-up is a concern with many conditioning polymers because they can accumulate over repeated use. Cationic polymers like this one can build up on hair if used very often. A deep-cleansing shampoo now and then is a common way people manage this.