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Polyquaternium compounds are a family of cationic polymers identified by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) designations—typically "Polyquaternium-X" where X is a number assigned sequentially. These polymers contain quaternary ammonium groups distributed along a polymeric backbone, giving them a permanent positive charge regardless of the pH of the surrounding medium. This cationic nature enables strong electrostatic binding to negatively charged surfaces such as damaged hair fibers, which carry anionic sites from oxidative processing and daily wear.
In hair care formulations, polyquaternium compounds perform several critical functions:
Because each Polyquaternium variant has a unique chemical architecture—differing in molecular weight, charge density, backbone composition, and hydrophilicity—the selection of the correct type for a given formulation is essential to achieving the desired sensory profile and conditioning performance.
The ratio of cationic charges to total monomer units, known as charge density, is the single most important parameter governing a Polyquaternium's behavior on hair. High charge density promotes strong, immediate binding to damaged areas but can lead to build-up with repeated use if the polymer does not fully desorb during washing. Low to moderate charge density allows more controlled, uniform deposition across both damaged and undamaged regions of the hair fiber.
Molecular weight further modulates deposition: higher molecular weight polymers tend to deposit primarily on the outer cuticle surface, providing excellent slip and detangling, while lower molecular weight variants can penetrate between cuticle layers for more durable conditioning. The interplay between charge density, molecular weight, and backbone chemistry determines whether a Polyquaternium is best suited for rinse-off conditioners, leave-in treatments, styling products, or shampoo systems where coacervate formation with anionic surfactants is required.
Alfa Chemistry offers a comprehensive range of polyquaternium compounds for hair and skin care applications. The table below summarizes the key identifiers and characteristics of our most in-demand products:
| Catalog | Name | CAS | Chemical Description | Physical Form | Price |
| HG26062793 | Polyquaternium-6 | 26062-79-3 | Homopolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (PolyDADMAC) | Liquid | Inquiry |
| HG26161331 | Polyquaternium-37 | 26161-33-1 | Homopolymer of methacryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride | Solid | Inquiry |
| HG-RHE-M007 | Polyquaternium-7 | 108464-53-5 | Copolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and acrylamide | Solid | Inquiry |
| HG-RHE-M009 | Polyquaternium-10 | 81859-24-7 | Quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose | Solid | Inquiry |
| HG-RHE-M010 | Polyquaternium-11 | 53633-54-8 | Quaternized copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone (VP) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate | Solid | Inquiry |
| HG-RHE-M011 | Polyquaternium-22 | 53694-17-0 | Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride – acrylic acid copolymer | Solid | Inquiry |
The table below compares the key performance properties of the most widely used polyquaternium types in hair care, enabling rapid identification of the optimal grade for specific formulation goals.
| Property | PQ-6 | PQ-7 | PQ-10 | PQ-11 | PQ-22 | PQ-37 |
| Charge Density | Very High | Moderate | Low – Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Backbone Chemistry | PolyDADMAC | DADMAC / Acrylamide | Hydroxyethyl cellulose | VP / DMAEMA | DADMAC / Acrylic Acid | Methacrylate |
| Hair Substantivity | Very High | High | Moderate – High | High | Moderate | High |
| Wet Combing Reduction | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Very Good |
| Build-Up Risk | High | Low | Low | Low – Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Film Flexibility | Brittle | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Very Flexible | Brittle |
| Shampoo Compatibility | Excellent (coacervate) | Excellent (coacervate) | Very Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Best Suited Product Type | 2-in-1 Shampoos | Conditioners | Leave-in / Conditioner | Styling / Mousse | Light Conditioners | Styling Gels |
For 2-in-1 shampoos requiring strong deposition via coacervate formation, Polyquaternium-6 and Polyquaternium-7 are the established benchmarks. For leave-in conditioners requiring excellent sensory properties with minimal build-up, Polyquaternium-10 and Polyquaternium-22 deliver lightweight conditioning and smooth tactile feel. For styling products such as mousses and setting lotions, Polyquaternium-11 combines conditioning with film-forming hold.
Q: What does the number mean in Polyquaternium-X?
The number is an INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) designation assigned sequentially to distinguish chemically distinct cationic polymers. Each number corresponds to a specific molecular structure—for example, PQ-6 is a PolyDADMAC homopolymer, while PQ-10 is quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose. The number itself does not indicate molecular weight, charge density, or performance.
Q: Can Polyquaternium compounds cause build-up on hair?
Yes, particularly high-charge-density variants such as Polyquaternium-6 can accumulate on hair with repeated use, especially in leave-in products. This build-up may result in a weighed-down, coated sensation. Using lower-charge-density alternatives (PQ-7, PQ-10) or alternating with clarifying shampoos mitigates this effect.
Q: Are polyquaternium compounds compatible with anionic surfactants?
Compatibility depends on charge density and use ratio. Polyquaternium-6 and PQ-7 are specifically designed for coacervate formation with anionic surfactants in shampoo systems. Higher molecular weight polyquaterniums may precipitate if used at excessive levels relative to the surfactant concentration. Formulators should optimize the polymer-to-surfactant ratio for their specific system.
Q: Which Polyquaternium is best for damaged, color-treated hair?
Damaged hair has a higher density of anionic sites, making it an excellent substrate for cationic polymer deposition. Polyquaternium-10 and Polyquaternium-7 are particularly effective on chemically treated hair, as they provide uniform deposition without over-conditioning the less-damaged root area.
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