For kids 5 years and older, this ingredient is generally safe in everyday hair and body products, especially when it’s in rinsed-off products like shampoos and washes.
Choose products made for children or rinse-off cleaners when possible (shampoo, body wash). If using a leave-on product (lotion, cream), pick one labeled for kids or for sensitive skin. Do a small patch test on the inside of the forearm and check the area for 24–48 hours before regular use. If you see redness, rash, swelling, or fussiness, stop use and talk to your child’s provider.
Two safety review sources note specific things to watch for: the Cosmetic Ingredient Review says safe use can depend on concentration and whether a product is leave-on or rinse-off, so avoid unknown leave-on formulations for young children; Environment Canada has raised limited concerns about environmental toxicity and possible organ effects in some studies — this is not proof of harm at normal product levels but is a reason to be cautious. Avoid using on broken skin, keep the product out of eyes and mouth, and stop use and seek care if you notice signs of an allergic reaction. If a large amount is swallowed or there is a concerning reaction, get medical help right away.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyquaternium-37 or its alternative names.
Yes, Polyquaternium-37 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Possible negative effects on the environment
Polyquaternium-37 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product