Polyquaternium is a water-soluble group of chemical polymers that are widely used in cosmetics and personal products. (The numbered suffixes – 57 / 61 / 71 – are assigned in the order in which they are registered and have little to do with their chemical structure.) It’s frequently found in hair care products because it has anti-static properties. The ions have a positive charge and therefore neutralize the negative charges of shampoos and bond to hair and skin. These properties help hair to lie flat (detangle) to help ease combing, elasticity and shine. Polyquaternium is rated as a low hazard on many cosmetic databases and no reported side effects or adverse reactions were noted. Lactamide MEA is derived from lactic acid and its moisture-absorbent properties help add and retain shine and moisture to hair. It is also found in moisturizers, body lotions and sunscreens.