Polyquaternium-8 is a chemical compound, copolymer, the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt and is used in hair products like conditioners and leave-in treatments for its conditioning properties. It helps to improve combability, reduce static electricity, and provide shine and softness to the hair. It can also be found in some skincare products for its moisturizing and film-forming properties.
2-propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl ester, polymer with methyl 2-methyl-2-propenoate, quaternised with dimethyl sulfate
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Polyquaternium indicates that the compound belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium polymers, also known as polyquaterniums. These polymers are characterized by fixed positive charges along the molecular chain.
- -8. This number after Poliquaternium is a chronological reference of the registration date of this ingredient.
Raw Materials and Their Functions
Base Monomers. The monomers used in the synthesis of Polyquaternium-8 may include quaternary ammonium compounds and other specific monomers that impart the polymer's unique properties.
Catalysts and Reagents. Used to facilitate the polymerization reaction and ensure the correct formation of the polymer.
Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Polyquaternium-8
- Polymerization. The process begins with the polymerization of the base monomers. This reaction is usually catalyzed to form a long and stable polymer chain.
- Reaction Control. The polymerization reaction is carefully controlled to ensure that the polymer has the desired chain length and properties.
- Purification. After polymerization, Polyquaternium-8 is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
- Quality Control and Packaging. The purified Polyquaternium-8 undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in hair care products, where it utilizes its conditioning, antistatic, and hair manageability enhancing properties.
It occurs as a colourless to light yellow liquid, soluble in water, insoluble in ester, hydrocarbons and ketone or in the form of a white powder.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.
Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.
