QUATERNIUM-77
Other
Caution
About QUATERNIUM-77
A polyamine/polyethoxy quaternary ammonium derived from mixed octadecanoyl and hexadecanoyl fatty acids, neutralized with ethyl sulfate, used as a heavy-duty conditioning agent.
Detailed Analysis
Quaternium-77 is a high-molecular-weight conditioning agent with a polyamine core, two long-chain fatty acyl substituents (C16 and C18), and multiple ethoxy segments. The ethyl sulfate counterion is unusual and adds to the concern profile. EU CosIng has no specific Annex restriction for this ingredient, but the complexity and high molecular weight mean limited skin penetration and sparse safety data. Methyl sulfate and ethyl sulfate counterions are sometimes associated with allergenicity concerns in EU SCCS reviews. The ingredient is primarily used in intensive hair care and repair products.
Skin Benefits
- ✓ Heavy-duty antistatic conditioning for damaged hair
- ✓ Film-forming protective barrier on skin
- ✓ Improvement of wet and dry combing properties
Known Concerns
- ⚠ Residual 1,4-dioxane from polyethoxy synthesis
- ⚠ Potential allergenicity from ethyl sulfate counterion
- ⚠ Extremely limited independent safety data
- ⚠ Heavy build-up potential on hair and skin
Safety Score
Caution
Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.
References
EU CosIng Database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry
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Download LuxSenseThis information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for skin concerns or allergies.