Polyquaternium-95 is a copolymer of Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Acrylic Acid and acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride monomers
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Polyquaternium is a class of polymers used in the personal care industry, particularly in skin and hair care products. They are positively charged, which makes them useful for conditioning and increasing the viscosity of products.
- 95 The different numbers represent different chemical structures, but all fall into the category of cationic polymers.
The synthesis process takes place in different steps:
- Monomer preparation. The first step in the process involves the preparation of the monomers that will be used to form the polymer. In the case of Polyquaternium-95, these monomers are quaternary ammonium compounds.
- Polymerisation. The monomers are reacted in a free-radical polymerisation process. This requires the use of a free radical initiator, which starts the reaction. The monomers then react with each other to form a long-chain polymer.
- Purification. The resulting polymer undergoes treatment to remove unreacted monomers and other impurities. This is followed by a series of washing, filtration and centrifugation steps.
- Drying and grinding. The final product is then dried and ground into a fine powder.
It occurs as a colourless to light yellow liquid, soluble in water, insoluble in ester, hydrocarbons and ketone.
What it is used for and where
Polyquaternium is a term used in the cosmetics industry to refer to certain types of polymers used primarily for their ability to increase the viscosity of a liquid, or for their ability to disperse or suspend materials in a liquid. They are often used in hair and skin care products.
Cosmetics
Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Commercial applications
Hair Care Products: Used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments as a conditioning and antistatic agent.
Hair Styling Products: Utilized in gels, sprays, and hair mousses to provide hold and control.
Properties
Conditioning Agent: Helps to enhance the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair.
Antistatic Agent: Reduces static electricity, helping to control flyaway hair.
Film-Forming: Forms a thin film on the hair, providing protection, shine, and hold.
Moisturizing: Helps to retain moisture in the hair, keeping it hydrated.
Polyquaternium-95 is particularly known for its performance in improving hair's texture and manageability, providing lasting style control, and adding a silky feel and shine.
Safety
Polyquaternium-95 is typically considered safe as used in cosmetic formulations, adhering to the guidelines and regulations of the industry. Like all cosmetic ingredients,
