polyquaternium-1

Polyquaternium-1 is a synthetic polycationic polymer belonging to the quaternary ammonium compound class, used primarily as a **preservative** in ophthalmic (eye drop) formulations and some contact lens solutions[1][2][4]. It inhibits the growth of microbial contaminants in multi-dose topical solutions, providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with relatively low cytotoxicity compared to older preservatives like benzalkonium chloride[2][4]. In addition to its ophthalmic use, it is employed in personal care products (e.g. hair conditioners, shampoos, and skin lotions) as a film-forming and antistatic agent, where its positive charge allows it to neutralize negatively charged surfaces like hair and skin, thus helping to smooth and condition these substrates[3][4][5]. Polyquaternium-1 does not have pharmacological activity via a biological receptor; its function is based on physical-chemical antimicrobial action due to the presence of permanently charged quaternary ammonium groups in its polymer backbone[1][2][4].

Brand names

PolyquadOnaMer MOnyxsperse 12SOnyxsperse12SOnyxsperse-12S

Other names

polidronium chloridepolyquat 1polyquat1polyquat-1polyquaternary ammonium salt -1polyquaternium Ipolyquaternium-1/PQ-1travoprost impurity 53