What is Polyquaternium?

What is Polyquaternium?

A product is considered to be a conditioner if it improves the quality of the surface to which it is applied, particularly if this improvement involves the correction or prevention of certain aspects associated with surface damage. Conditioning of the hair and skin must be a continuous process, as both substrates are in a constant cycle of shedding and renewal. The main difference between hair and skin is that skin is basically a living organ that replaces its outermost layer on a frequent basis. Hair, in contrast, is basically dead material derived from a few live cells deep within the skin surface.

Modern conditioners are designed to provide one or more of the following functions:
• provide ease of wet and dry combing
• smooth, seal and realign damaged areas of the hair shaft
• minimize porosity
• impart sheen and a silken feel to the hair
• provide some protection against thermal and mechanical damage
• moisturize
• add volume and body
• eliminate static electricity 

So what is a cationic polymer? 
A polymer is "Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule."

So a cationic polymer is a positively charged or cationic polymer that we use in hair and body care products to increase conditioning and film forming. Because it's cationic, it will be substantive and adsorb to our hair our skin to increase lubricity and moisturizing. In hair care products, cationic polymers will help our cuticle scales resist uplift when stressed, which keeps our hair in better condition.

What is Polyquaternium? 
Polyquaternium is the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients designation for several polycationic polymersthat are used in the personal care industry. Polyquaternium is a neologism used to emphasize the presence of quaternary ammonium centers in the polymer. INCI has approved at least 37 different polymers under the polyquaternium designation. Different polymers are distinguished by the numerical value that follows the word "polyquaternium". Polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-7, and polyquaternium-47 are three examples, each a chemically different type of polymer. The numbers are assigned in the order in which they are registered rather than because of their chemical structure.

Polyquaternium-4 RECOMMENDED ADDITION: 0.5 to 1% Polyquaternium-4 provides excellent combability, holding, gloss and antistat properties. This cellulosic polymer substantive to skin and hair and exhibits outstanding properties in hair care products. It is a tan powder that is water-soluble.

Polyquaternium-7 RECOMMENDED ADDITION: 2 to 5% Polyquaternium-7 leaves hair feeling soft. It is a thick viscous liquid with low odor.

Polyquaternium-10 RECOMMENDED ADDITION: 0.25-0.5% Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic, water-soluble substantive conditioner for hair care. It provides film formation o­n hair and moisturization. It is non-irritating and compatible with a wide range of surfactants. It enables the formulation of clear products.

Polyquaternium-44 RECOMMENDED ADDITION: 0.1-0.5% Polyquaternium-44 is a very efficient, multinational polymer for use in a variety of cleansing products to improve the wet combability of the hair and prevent electrostatic charging when the hair is dry. It also protects the hair by forming a shield around each hair so that its surface is less readily attacked. It conditions and provides a smooth silky feel to the hair. The lather creaminess is significantly improved. There are no drawbacks with fine hair regarding volume, accumulation and build-up when used at recommended use levels. It is a viscous clear amber liquid with low odor.

How does it work hair? 
Since they are positively charged, they neutralize the negative charges of most shampoos, relaxers, hair proteins etc. helping the hair to lay flat. Their positive charge, ionically bond to the hair. It is particularly useful to use cationic polymers on hair exposed to high alkalinity relaxers to decrease damage to hair. They attach to the hair and provide conditioning benefits such as ease of combing, hair alignment, elasticity and shine. Polyquaternium also helps to reduce flyaways & static.


As always, choose your products carefully, get samples when you can, and see what works for your hair.

Source-Internet

AMRISH K.

In the Passion of Innovation - R&D/NPD. Formulator - Natural/Eco/Cosmetic Ayurvedic & Derma Products. Lab & pilot batch/Tech transfer/Scale-up/Validation/Skin, Haircare & cleansing, face & Body, Sun & Baby care

5y

Very good article 👍

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Vijay Bahadur

Head APAC - Ipatient Inc - Spreading Wellness

5y

Formulating with Quats could sometimes be a nightmare. SEPPIC has a polymer with Cationic monomer for better compatibility

Amine Abidaly

Madagascar Vanilla Beans, Cloves, Essential Oils, Dry Beans (Black Eyed Beans, Cowpeas, etc) - WhatsApp: +261381659595

6y

Very interesting and useful article Very nice 👍

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Margherita Caputo

Cofounder presso Cosmethera e Acqua dei Sassi- Matera

7y

Good article! One question... What are the differences between Poly7 and Poly10?

Rahul Atak

Business Development Manager at Viridis Personal Care Pvt Ltd

7y

Really helpful....

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