Polyquaternium 18, 1 kg

Polyquaternium-18: High-Performance Cationic Conditioning Polymer

Introducing Polyquaternium-18 (INCI: Polyquaternium-18), a highly effective cationic conditioning polymer sourced from Germany. This fine white to cream-colored powder or granular substance is a multi-functional ingredient designed to deliver exceptional smoothness, shine, and manageability across hair, skin, and body care products. It forms an elastic, protective film that revitalizes damaged cuticles and eliminates static, making it a professional-grade active for formulators worldwide.

Product Description and Key Properties

Polyquaternium-18 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound that functions by neutralizing the negative charges found on damaged hair and skin surfaces. This neutralizing action instantly eliminates static electricity, leading to unparalleled smoothness and improved manageability. It is partially soluble in water but dissolves well in ethanol, glycols, oils, and emulsions, offering high formulation flexibility. It remains stable under heating and is non-irritating and biocompatible, ensuring broad application potential.

Key properties and benefits:

• Superior Hair Conditioning: Imparts intense smoothness, shine, and manageability to hair, dramatically improving its look and feel.

• Anti-Static Effect: Effectively eliminates static electricity, particularly beneficial in dry climates or during winter months.

• Enhanced Wet and Dry Combing: Greatly improves detangling and combability for both wet and dry hair, reducing breakage.

• Cuticle Repair: Restores damaged areas of the hair cuticle, strengthening the hair structure from the outside.

• Thermal Protection: Increases the thermal stability and film durability of hair strands, protecting them from heat styling damage (blow dryers, straighteners).

• Silky Skin Feel: Softens and moisturizes the skin, lending a silky texture and improving the spreadability of creams and lotions.

• Compatibility: Highly compatible with most surfactants and cosmetic actives, making it easy to integrate into complex formulas.

Applications and Usage Areas

Polyquaternium-18 is a highly versatile polymer used extensively in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and household chemical industries due to its powerful film-forming and conditioning capabilities.

1. Hair Care Cosmetics:

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Used to detangle, boost shine, and improve the overall texture of hair.

• Hair Masks and Serums: Provides intensive repair and restoration for color-treated or heat-damaged hair.

• Leave-in Products and Styling Sprays: Forms a protective, elastic cationic film that smooths the hair shaft, prevents frizz, and offers thermal protection.

2. Skin and Body Care Cosmetics:

• Body Lotions, Creams, and Gels: Acts as a moisturizing and film-forming agent, softening the skin and diminishing feelings of dryness. It also imparts a desirable silky texture to the final product.

• Aftershave Balms: Soothes skin and improves the skin's feel post-application.

3. Decorative Cosmetics:

• Foundations and BB/CC Creams: Enhances the spreadability and adhesion of the product, ensuring uniform application and increased wear resistance.

• Eyelash and Eyebrow Care: Used in primers and serums to condition and protect delicate brow and lash hairs.

4. Pharmaceuticals and Dermatology:

• Dermatological Creams and Gels: Acts as a stabilizing, moisture-retaining, and structuring component, enhancing the adhesion and prolonged action of active therapeutic ingredients.

5. Household and Professional Chemistry:

• Fabric Softeners and Conditioners: Functions as an antistatic agent and conditioner for textiles, improving fabric hand and reducing static cling.

• Polishes: Used in furniture and surface polishes to enhance shine and improve glide.

Recommended Dosage:

• In shampoos and conditioners: 0.1–1%.

• In hair masks and styling sprays: 0.2–0.8%.

• In body creams and lotions: 0.1–0.5%.

• In dermatological formulas: 0.2–1%.

• In household chemicals: 0.1–0.3%.

Recipe: Silky Detangling Hair Mask with Thermal Protection

Formulate an intensive hair mask that uses the powerful conditioning of Polyquaternium-18 to repair damage, detangle, and protect hair from heat.

Ingredients:

• 65 g Distilled Water (Water Phase)

• 20 g Conditioning Emulsifier (e.g., BTMS-50) (Oil Phase)

• 10 g Shea Butter (Oil Phase)

• 1.5 g Cetyl Alcohol (Consistency/Emollient)

• 0.8 g Polyquaternium-18 (Active)

• 2 g Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Active)

• 0.5 g Preservative (e.g., Germall Plus)

• 0.2 g Fragrance Oil

Instructions for Preparation:

Weigh and Melt the Oil Phase: In a heat-safe beaker, combine the Conditioning Emulsifier, Shea Butter, and Cetyl Alcohol. Heat in a double boiler until completely melted (approximately 70−75∘C).

Heat the Water Phase: In a separate beaker, heat the distilled water to the same temperature (70−75∘C).

Create the Emulsion: Slowly pour the heated water phase into the oil phase while continuously stirring with an immersion blender. Blend in short bursts until a thick, uniform cream forms.

Cool Down and Add Actives: Remove the emulsion from the heat and allow it to cool to below 40∘C.

Incorporate Polyquaternium-18: At 40∘C, add the Polyquaternium-18 (it can be pre-dissolved in a small amount of warm water or glycol for easier incorporation, though it will dissolve with thorough mixing) and the Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein. Mix well until completely homogeneous.

Add Final Ingredients: Add the preservative and fragrance oil. Perform a final, thorough stir.

Packaging: Transfer the finished mask into a sterilized jar or container.

Recommendations:

• Mixing: Ensure sufficient agitation when adding Polyquaternium-18 to guarantee full dissolution and even distribution, which is crucial for maximizing its conditioning effect.

• pH Check: The ideal pH for the mask is between 4.5 and 5.5, which is optimal for the hair cuticle and for the stability of Polyquaternium-18.

• Application: Apply the mask generously to wet, clean hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave on for 5-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use once or twice a week for maximum repair and thermal protection.