For school-age children (5 years and up), this ingredient is usually low risk when used in normal rinse-off products like shampoos and conditioners. It is not a common cause of cancer or allergy, but there are concerns about how it is made and possible contamination.
Use products with Polyquaternium-7 mainly as rinse-off (shampoo, conditioner). Avoid using new leave-on products with this ingredient on your child’s face or broken skin. Do a small patch test on the arm before regular use. Prefer products from brands that state they test for impurities or list manufacturing safety controls.
Watch for product recalls or safety notices because government and industry reviews have flagged manufacturing and contamination issues (notably possible acrylamide contamination) and some regulatory limits in the EU. Environment Canada has also reported concerns about non-reproductive organ toxicity and environmental effects. If you see irritation, redness, or any reaction, stop use and rinse well. For babies and younger toddlers, choose products without this ingredient when possible.
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This ingredient has the following documented risks:
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This ingredient may also be listed as:
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This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Polyquaternium-7 or its alternative names.
Yes, Polyquaternium-7 is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.
Possible negative effects on the environment
Polyquaternium-7 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.
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