Overview of Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11
Amphoteric surfactants are a unique class of surface-active agents that possess both cationic and anionic properties, depending on the pH of the system they are in. They contain both a positively charged group (like a quaternary ammonium salt) and a negatively charged group (such as a carboxylate or sulfonate), which can ionize depending on the surrounding conditions. This dual nature grants them exceptional versatility, making them effective in a wide range of pH environments and compatible with other surfactant types. They are known for their mildness and excellent dermatological compatibility, rendering them particularly suitable for personal care applications.
Features of Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11
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pH Responsiveness: Their charge varies with pH, becoming cationic in acidic conditions and anionic in alkaline, with a zwitterionic (neutral) state at the isoelectric point.
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Mildness: Known for being gentle on skin and eyes, making them ideal for sensitive applications like baby care and personal hygiene products.
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Foaming Properties: Can generate rich, stable foam even in hard water conditions, enhancing their use in cleaning products.
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Emulsification: Efficient emulsifiers capable of forming both oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, depending on the formulation and pH.
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Compatibility: Because they have both anionic and cationic properties, they are compatible with other types of surfactants and can work synergistically to enhance cleaning effects.
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Biodegradability: Many amphoteric surfactants are readily biodegradable, contributing to their environmentally friendly profile.
(Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11)
Specification of Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11
Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11 is a high-performance ingredient widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations. Known chemically as a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole, it is classified under the INCI name Polyquaternium-11 (CAS No. 53633-54-8). This cationic polymer has a high molecular weight (typically around 1,000,000 Daltons), contributing to its film-forming and conditioning properties.
**Physical Properties**: Polyquaternium-11 appears as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid. It is soluble in water and polar solvents, with a pH range of 4.0–7.0 (as a 10% aqueous solution). The viscosity varies with concentration, ranging from 1000–3000 centipoise (cps) at 30% active content. Typical commercial formulations contain 20–40% active material.
**Functionality**: As a cationic surfactant, it binds to negatively charged surfaces like hair and skin, offering strong antistatic and conditioning effects. It enhances detangling, imparts smoothness, and reduces frizz in hair care products. Its film-forming ability provides light hold in styling gels or mousses while improving moisture retention in skin creams and lotions.
**Applications**: Suitable for rinse-off and leave-in products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling agents, and skin care formulations. Recommended usage levels are 0.5–2.5% in leave-on products and 1–5% in rinse-off formulations.
**Compatibility**: Stable across a broad pH range (3–9) and compatible with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants. Avoid mixing with strong oxidizing agents.
**Safety & Storage**: Generally recognized as safe at recommended levels, though patch testing is advised for sensitive skin. Store in a cool, dry place (10–30°C) away from direct sunlight. Shelf life is 12–24 months unopened.
**Regulatory Compliance**: Meets global cosmetic standards, including EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and FDA guidelines for cosmetic ingredients.
Ideal for formulators seeking multifunctional conditioning agents with excellent sensory attributes and compatibility in complex formulations.
(Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11)
Applications of Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11
Polymeric quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant Polyquaternium-11 is a versatile ingredient widely used across industries due to its unique cationic charge, water solubility, and film-forming properties. Its molecular structure allows it to bind effectively to negatively charged surfaces, making it ideal for applications requiring conditioning, antistatic effects, and stabilization.
In **hair care**, Polyquaternium-11 is a staple in conditioners, shampoos, and styling products. It acts as a conditioning agent by smoothing the hair cuticle, reducing frizz, and enhancing manageability. Its antistatic properties minimize flyaways, while its ability to form a lightweight film protects hair from heat damage during styling. It also improves wet combing, reducing breakage and tangling, and is often included in leave-in treatments for long-lasting softness and shine.
For **skincare**, this polymer is used in moisturizers, serums, and lotions to improve texture and hydration. It forms a breathable film on the skin, locking in moisture without clogging pores, and enhances the spreadability of products. Its mildness makes it suitable for sensitive skin formulations, providing a silky feel and improving product adherence.
In **cosmetics**, Polyquaternium-11 is added to foundations, mascaras, and creams to stabilize formulations and extend wear. It prevents smudging in mascaras and ensures even pigment distribution in makeup, offering a smooth application.
The **textile industry** utilizes Polyquaternium-11 as a fabric softener and antistatic agent. It imparts a soft hand feel to fabrics, reduces static cling, and improves dye affinity during processing.
In **household products**, it is found in fabric softeners and surface cleaners, where it reduces static in laundry and enhances the efficacy of cleaning agents.
Polyquaternium-11 is valued for its compatibility with other ingredients, low irritation potential, and biodegradability, aligning with eco-friendly formulations. Its multifunctionality and safety profile make it a preferred choice in personal care, textiles, and beyond, delivering performance while maintaining user comfort.
Company Profile
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5 FAQs of Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11
What is Polyquaternium-11? Polyquaternium-11 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is a synthetic polymer derived from dimethyl sulfate and vinyl pyrrolidone, offering conditioning, anti-static, and film-forming properties. Its primary function is to improve hair manageability, reduce frizz, and enhance texture in products like conditioners, shampoos, and styling agents.
What are the benefits of Polyquaternium-11 in hair care? Polyquaternium-11 acts as a conditioning agent that coats hair strands, creating a smooth, lightweight film. This reduces static, detangles hair, and adds shine without weighing it down. It also helps retain moisture, protects against heat damage from styling tools, and improves the longevity of hairstyles by providing hold and reducing flyaways.
Is Polyquaternium-11 safe for all hair types? Yes, Polyquaternium-11 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is suitable for most hair types, including color-treated or chemically processed hair. It is non-irritating at recommended concentrations and has been reviewed by safety organizations like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel. However, individuals with extremely sensitive scalps should patch-test products containing this ingredient.
Can Polyquaternium-11 be combined with other surfactants? Polyquaternium-11 is compatible with most cationic and non-ionic surfactants but may interact negatively with anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) due to its cationic nature. Formulators often use it in rinse-off products or phase-separated systems to avoid precipitation. Always test compatibility during product development to ensure stability.
What is the recommended usage concentration of Polyquaternium-11? Typical usage levels range between 0.1% to 2.5%, depending on the product type. For leave-in conditioners or styling gels, 1–2% is common, while rinse-off formulations like shampoos may use lower concentrations (0.1–0.5%). Follow supplier guidelines and perform stability tests to optimize performance without compromising texture or efficacy.
(Polymeric Quaternary Ammonium Salt Cationic Surfactant Polyquaternium-11)
