A cationic polymer used as a film-forming and hair-fixing agent.
What it is
Polyquaternium-46 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt made from vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone and methylvinylimidazolium methosulfate. CosIng lists it as an antistatic, film-forming and hair-fixing ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in styling gels, mousses, hair sprays and other styling products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The polyquaternium number is only a sequential identifier; it says nothing about the polymer's properties or molecular weight.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Film forming
- Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.
- Hair fixing
- Permitting physical control of hair style.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.