Polyquaternium

Polyquaternium-16 is a water-soluble, highly cationic (positively charged) copolymer composed of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole. It is widely used as a premium conditioning and film-forming agent in the cosmetics industry, particularly in hair styling and care formulations. Physical Chemical Properties Appearance: Commercially sold typically as a clear to slightly hazy, yellowish viscous liquid (aqueous solution), though available in pure powder form. Odor: Faint, characteristic amine-like odor. Chemical Nature: A polymeric quaternary ammonium salt. Its exceptionally high positive charge density allows it to bind strongly to the negatively charged keratin proteins found in damaged hair. Solubility: Readily soluble in water and alcohol. It is highly compatible with a wide range of non-ionic and cationic surfactants. Primary Applications1. Hair Styling and Volume Products Polyquaternium-16 is highly favored in the formulation of hair mousses, styling gels, setting lotions, and blow-dry creams. It provides several mechanical benefits: High Charge Density: It binds tightly to the hair surface, providing excellent stiffness and flexible hold without becoming brittle. Volume and Body: It creates a thin, uniform film over hair fibers, increasing spacing between strands to provide distinct body, lift, and volume to fine hair. Curl Retention: It helps hairstyles maintain their shape under high-humidity conditions by preventing hair from absorbing ambient moisture. 2. Hair Conditioning and Detangling In leave-in conditioners and intensive hair repair treatments, it smooths down damaged cuticles: Combability: It reduces static electricity and friction, significantly improving both wet and dry combing. Cuticle Repair: It selectively targets heavily damaged areas of the hair shaft (which carry the highest negative charge), restoring smoothness and shine. 3. Skin Care Cleansers It is occasionally incorporated into shower gels, liquid hand soaps, and shaving creams to counter the harshness of anionic surfactants, leaving a soft, non-greasy, moisturized film on the skin after rinsing. ⚠️ Safety and Handling: Polyquaternium-16 is considered a safe and non-irritating ingredient for topical cosmetic applications. In its raw form, contact with eyes should be avoided to prevent mild irritation. It should be stored in a cool, dry place inside tightly sealed containers, protected from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent degradation.

Powder form

MYOC Polyquaternium-73 is a cosmetic-grade conditioning polymer widely used in haircare and personal care formulations. It helps improve hair smoothness, softness, and manageability while enhancing the conditioning performance of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and styling products. Suitable for cosmetic manufacturers, laboratories, and DIY formulators.