Polyquaternium Cationic Polymers for Shampoo & Hair Conditioner

• Polyquaterniums (abbreviated as PQ, INCI-designated personal care polymer family) are a general term for a class of cationic polymers containing quaternary ammonium groups.
  
  
• They are typically produced via chemical modification of natural polymers (such as cellulose, guar gum or chitosan) or through chemical synthesis. The quaternary cationic centers in their molecular structure can firmly adsorb to negatively charged surfaces such as hair keratin and skin via ionic bonds.
  
  
• Polyquaterniums deliver multiple functions including conditioning, antistatic, film-forming, thickening and styling, and are indispensable key raw materials for formulating shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling products, skincare lotions and facial cleansers.
  
  
• As a professional supplier, we provide a full range of high-quality polyquaternium products with guaranteed stable bulk supply capacity.

1. Cationic Adsorption for Long-Lasting Conditioning

The quaternary cationic centers in polyquaternium molecular structure firmly adsorb to negatively charged hair and skin surfaces via ionic bonds, forming a protective film that delivers long-lasting conditioning, antistatic and softening effects.

2. Wide Range of Grades for Precise Matching

The polyquaternium family has over 40 different grades, each with unique charge density, molecular weight and functional properties. The most suitable grade can be selected precisely according to formulation requirements to achieve optimal conditioning, styling or thickening effects.

3. All-in-One Multifunctional Performance

One single product combines multiple functions including conditioning, antistatic, film-forming, thickening, moisturizing and styling, simplifying formulation design and reducing overall production costs.

4. Excellent Formulation Compatibility

Has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, suitable for a wide range of formulation systems.

5. Full Global Regulatory Compliance

Polyquaternium series products are listed in China's Used Cosmetic Ingredients Directory and global mainstream cosmetic ingredient lists, complying with cosmetic regulatory requirements in all major markets.

1. Hair Care Products (Core Application)

Polyquaterniums are one of the core conditioning ingredients in hair care products:

Shampoo: As a conditioning agent, cationic polymers effectively deposit on the hair surface during cleansing, neutralize negative hair charge, improve wet combing and dry combing performance, and prevent frizz caused by static electricity

Conditioner & hair mask: Provides deep repair, restores damaged hair, and enhances shine and softness

Styling products: Serves as film former and fixative, helps hair maintain styling

Recommended dosage: Typically 0.1% – 5.0% (varies by grade and application)

2. Skincare & Personal Care Products

Skincare lotions / creams: Serves as emollient and thickener, improves product texture and skin feel, delivers smooth, non-greasy application experience

Cleansing / bath products: Provides smooth feel and moisturizing effect, prevents excessive defatting during cleansing

Recommended dosage: Typically 0.1% – 5.0%

3. Other Applications

Contact lens solution: Serves as wetting and lubricating agent

Personal lubricants

Q1: What is PEG-75 Lanolin, and what is its standard CAS number?

A: PEG-75 Lanolin (INCI: PEG-75 Lanolin, CAS 8039-09-6 / 61790-81-6) is a nonionic ethoxylated lanolin derivative, produced by reacting anhydrous lanolin with 75 moles of ethylene oxide. The standard commercial grade contains 50% active matter, appearing as a pale yellow to brown viscous liquid with characteristic lanolin odor.

Q2: What is the core difference between PEG-75 Lanolin and regular anhydrous lanolin?

A: The core difference is water solubility:

Regular anhydrous lanolin: Oil soluble, insoluble in water, can only be used in oil phase formulations

PEG-75 Lanolin: Water soluble via ethoxylation modification, can be directly used in water-based formulations

PEG-75 Lanolin retains all the emollient, conditioning and fat-restoring benefits of natural lanolin, while adding emulsifying, solubilizing and wetting functions

Q3: What does "50% active matter" mean for PEG-75 Lanolin?

A: 50% active matter means the product contains 50% pure PEG-75 lanolin active ingredient and 50% water. This liquid form is designed for easy processing: it can be directly added to formulations without heating and melting, greatly simplifying production process and improving operational efficiency.

Q4: What is the recommended usage level of PEG-75 Lanolin in formulations?

A: The standard recommended dosage:

Hair care (shampoo, conditioner): 0.5% – 5.0%

Skincare (creams, lotions): 0.5% – 3.0%

Cleansing products (body wash, facial cleanser): 0.3% – 2.0%

Emulsifying & solubilizing systems: 0.5% – 5.0%

Toner & hydroalcoholic products: 0.1% – 1.0%

Q5: Is PEG-75 Lanolin ionic or nonionic? Is it compatible with all surfactants?

A: PEG-75 Lanolin is a nonionic surfactant, with excellent formulation compatibility: it is compatible with anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants, and can be used in all types of surfactant systems without compatibility issues.

Q6: In which products and industries is PEG-75 Lanolin commonly applied?

A: PEG-75 Lanolin is widely used across personal care and household industries:

Hair care (core application): Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, perm and coloring products

Skincare: Creams, lotions, body washes, facial cleansers, toners, aftershaves

Color cosmetics: Liquid foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows

Household products: Soaps, detergents, rinse-free hand sanitizers

Industrial applications: O/W emulsifiers, solubilizers, rheology modifiers

Q7: What are the key quality specifications for premium 50% PEG-75 Lanolin?

A: High-quality cosmetic grade PEG-75 Lanolin meets the following core specifications:

Active matter content: 50.0%

pH value (10% solution): 6.0 – 7.5

Viscosity (20°C): 200 – 800 mPa·s

Ionic type: Nonionic

Solidification point: Approx. -5°C

Appearance: Pale yellow to brown viscous liquid

Q8: Is PEG-75 Lanolin water soluble?

A: Yes, PEG-75 Lanolin is fully water soluble. Unlike regular oil-soluble anhydrous lanolin, it can be directly dissolved in water to form clear or slightly cloudy solutions, making it suitable for all water-based formulations including shampoos, body washes, toners and other clear products.

Q9: What are the main benefits of PEG-75 Lanolin for hair and skin?

A: PEG-75 Lanolin delivers multiple benefits for hair and skin:

For hair: Forms a protective film on hair surface, reduces frizz, adds shine, repairs damaged hair, replenishes natural lipids

For skin: Provides emollient and moisturizing effect, prevents excessive defatting during cleansing, reduces skin irritation

For formulations: Acts as emulsifier, solubilizer, rheology modifier and wetting agent

Q10: Is PEG-75 Lanolin easy to use in formulation production?

A: Yes, 50% liquid PEG-75 Lanolin is very easy to process:

No heating required: Can be directly added to formulations at room temperature without melting

Easy to disperse: Fully water soluble, mixes quickly and uniformly

Wide pH adaptability: Stable across pH 4-9, suitable for most formulation systems

Excellent compatibility: Works with all types of surfactants and active ingredients

Q11: Does PEG-75 Lanolin reduce surfactant irritation?

A: Yes, PEG-75 Lanolin effectively reduces the irritation of anionic surfactants to skin and hair. It forms a mild protective layer on the skin and hair surface, mitigating the degreasing effect of strong anionic surfactants, making cleansing products milder and less drying.

Q12: What packaging and supply services do you provide?

A: As a direct source manufacturer with in-house ethoxylation production lines, we supply 50% active cosmetic grade PEG-75 Lanolin. Standard packaging options include 25kg plastic drums and 200kg iron drums, with customizable packaging available. We support stable bulk supply from lab samples to full container orders, and provide complete regulatory documentation including COA, MSDS/SDS and TDS for each batch.