Polyquaternium 18, 10 g

Polyquaternium 18: Advanced Cationic Conditioning Polymer for Hair and Skin

Introducing Polyquaternium 18, a highly effective cationic conditioning polymer sourced from Germany. This finely powdered or granular substance, ranging from white to creamy in color, is a versatile active used across hair care, skincare, and even household products. It is globally recognized for its ability to deliver superior smoothness, gloss, and manageability by forming an elastic, protective film that improves texture and resilience.

Product Description and Key Properties

Polyquaternium 18 (INCI: Polyquaternium-18) is a powerful quaternary ammonium compound that adheres readily to the negatively charged surfaces of hair and skin. This mechanism allows it to fill damaged areas on the hair cuticle and create a lubricating layer on the skin. It is partially water-soluble but highly soluble in common cosmetic solvents like ethanol, glycols, oils, and emulsions, and it remains stable when heated, making it easy to incorporate into various formulations.

Key properties and benefits:

• Superior Hair Conditioning: Imparts intense smoothness, high shine, and manageability to hair.

• Static Elimination: Effectively eliminates static electricity, reducing flyaways and frizz.

• Enhanced Detangling: Significantly improves both wet and dry combability, preventing breakage.

• Cuticle Repair: Restores damaged sections of the cuticle, sealing the hair surface for better health.

• Silky Texture: Lends a desirable silky texture to cosmetic creams, lotions, and gels.

• Improved Spreadability: Enhances the application and distribution of products over skin and hair surfaces.

• Film-Forming and Thermal Protection: Forms a protective film that increases film durability and provides thermal protection against heat styling (e.g., blow dryers).

• High Compatibility: Compatible with the majority of surfactants and cosmetic actives, stable across a pH range of 4.5–6.5 (in 2% solution), and is non-irritating.

Applications and Usage Areas

Polyquaternium 18 is a multifunctional ingredient with extensive applications, from premium cosmetic lines to pharmaceutical and household products.

1. Hair Care Cosmetics:

• Shampoos and Conditioners: Provides primary conditioning, improving feel and static control.

• Hair Masks and Serums: Used in intensive treatments to repair severely damaged hair, restore elasticity, and boost shine.

• Styling Sprays and Leave-In Treatments: Forms a flexible, protective film that aids in styling, prevents moisture loss, and offers thermal protection against heat tools.

2. Skincare and Body Care:

• Body Lotions, Creams, and Gels: Acts as an emollient and film-forming agent, softening and moisturizing the skin and reducing feelings of dryness. It also improves the luxury feel of the texture.

• Balms and Serums: Enhances the spreadability and absorption of active ingredients.

3. Decorative and Specialty Cosmetics:

• Foundations, BB/CC Creams: Improves product spread and adherence, contributing to a smooth, even finish.

• Eyelash and Eyebrow Care: Used in mascaras and serums to condition and protect the hair fibers, enhancing their appearance and strength.

4. Pharmaceutical and Dermatological Use:

• Gels, Creams, and Medicated Ointments: Acts as a structuring and moisture-retaining component, increasing the adhesion and prolonged action of active pharmaceutical ingredients on the skin.

5. Household and Professional Chemistry:

• Fabric Softeners and Antistatic Sprays: Functions as a conditioning and antistatic agent to soften fabrics, improve glide, and prevent static buildup.

• Polishes: Used in furniture and car polishes to enhance shine and durability of the protective film.

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 Products: 0.1–0.3%

Recipe: Luxurious Silk & Shine Hair Conditioner

Create a rich, detangling, and highly conditioning hair conditioner that imparts silkiness and shine, utilizing the smoothing properties of Polyquaternium 18.

Ingredients:

• 70 g Distilled water (Water Phase)

• 10 g Cetearyl Alcohol (Thickener/Emollient)

• 5 g BTMS-50 (Cationic Emulsifier/Conditioner)

• 5 g Coconut Oil (Oil Phase)

• 0.5 g Polyquaternium 18 (Conditioning Polymer)

• 0.5 g Panthenol (Active)

• 0.5 g Preservative (e.g., Geogard 221)

• 0.5 g Fragrance Oil

Instructions for Preparation:

Measure and Melt the Oil Phase: Combine the Cetearyl Alcohol, BTMS-50, and Coconut Oil in a heat-safe container. Heat in a double boiler until all ingredients are fully melted and clear.

Heat the Water Phase: In a separate container, heat the distilled water to the same temperature as the oil phase, around 75°C.

Create the Emulsion: Slowly pour the heated water phase into the oil phase while stirring continuously with a whisk or immersion blender until a smooth, thick emulsion forms.

Cool Down and Add Actives: Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool to below 40°C. As it cools, the mixture will thicken.

Incorporate the Polymer and Additives: Once cooled, add the Polyquaternium 18 (ensure it's dissolved in a small amount of the cooled water phase if needed for better dispersion, although it is highly soluble in the heated emulsion), Panthenol, Preservative, and Fragrance Oil. Stir well to fully incorporate all the cold-added components.

Packaging: Transfer the finished conditioner into a suitable bottle or jar.

Recommendations:

• Detangling Power: The combination of BTMS-50 and Polyquaternium 18 provides exceptional detangling and conditioning, making hair incredibly smooth.

• Dispersion: Although Polyquaternium 18 is highly soluble in the emulsion, ensure thorough mixing upon addition to prevent clumping.

• pH Check: The final product should have a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to ensure the conditioner works optimally and the hair cuticle remains smooth.