Ingredient deep-dive

Polyquaternium-11: Is It a Microplastic?

Low concernAcrylate / vinyl polymer

Vinylpyrrolidone-based cationic polymer used for hold and conditioning in styling products. Water-soluble synthetic polymer.

Where it appears

Hairspray and styling gel
Mousse
Setting lotions

Regulatory status (2026)

European Union

Permitted.

United States

No federal restriction.

Cleaner alternatives

Acacia gum
Flaxseed gel
Guar derivatives

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Polyquaternium-11, common questions

Is Polyquaternium-11 a microplastic?

Borderline. Vinylpyrrolidone-based cationic polymer used for hold and conditioning in styling products. Water-soluble synthetic polymer.

Is Polyquaternium-11 banned?

EU: Permitted. US: No federal restriction.

What can I use instead of Polyquaternium-11?

Cleaner alternatives include: Acacia gum; Flaxseed gel; Guar derivatives.

What products contain Polyquaternium-11?

Commonly found in: Hairspray and styling gel; Mousse; Setting lotions.

Related ingredients

Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Synthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.

Acrylates Crosspolymer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern

Cross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.

Carbomer

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.

Polyacrylate

Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern

Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.