Description

Quaternium-18 is a conditioning agent commonly used in hair and skincare products. It functions as an anti-static and film-forming agent, improving the texture and manageability of the hair or skin. Its primary role is to condition and smooth the surface, reducing frizz and enhancing the overall appearance.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Chemical Composition: Quaternium-18 is a quaternary ammonium compound that consists of a long-chain alkyl group attached to a quaternary nitrogen atom. The exact chemical structure can vary depending on the specific formulation and manufacturer.

Structure: The compound typically features a central nitrogen atom bonded to four alkyl or hydrocarbon groups. This structure contributes to its effectiveness as a conditioning agent, allowing it to form a thin, protective film on hair or skin surfaces.

Physical Properties

Appearance: It is generally a white or off-white, waxy solid or cream.
Solubility: Soluble in water, which makes it suitable for inclusion in aqueous formulations.
pH: Typically formulated to be compatible with the pH of hair and skin care products.

Production Process

Quaternium-18 is synthesized through the following steps:

Reaction: The synthesis involves the quaternization of a tertiary amine with an alkyl halide or other suitable reagents to form the quaternary ammonium compound.
Purification: The product is purified to remove impurities and achieve the desired quality and consistency.
Formulation: The purified compound is incorporated into various cosmetic formulations as a conditioning and anti-static agent.

Applications

Medical: Not typically used in medical applications.
Cosmetics: Widely used in hair care products such as conditioners, shampoos, and styling products. It is also used in skincare products to improve texture and smoothness.
Food: Not applied in food products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Generally regarded as safe for topical application. However, like all chemical ingredients, it should be used according to established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the compound is produced sustainably and is free from harmful chemicals.

INCI Functions:


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.

Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 61789-80-8 EC number 263-090-2