In personal care daily chemical products, conditioning performance is the core of improving user experience. Quaternary ammonium salt raw materials, with their excellent cationic conditioning properties, have become core components in hair and skin care products. Among them, Polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7) and Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) are two standout daily chemical grade raw materials.
Core Product Properties & Core Characteristics
Polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7)
CAS No.: 26590-05-6. It is a binary copolymer, usually appearing as a viscous liquid with ~40% solid content, residual acrylamide ≤20.0ppm (≤1.0ppm for some specifications), and meets daily chemical grade safety standards.
Core Characteristics:
It has moderate cationic charge density, delivering a gentle, non-greasy conditioning effect with high freshness and wide consumer acceptance. It provides excellent lubrication, adsorption repair and antistatic functions, forming a thin, breathable non-sticky film on hair. Furthermore, it demonstrates excellent compatibility with surfactants, preservatives, and other daily chemical raw materials. As a result, it is highly suitable for transparent shampoos and colorless formula systems. Meanwhile, it can serve as a stabilizer to enhance foaming performance.
Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10)
CAS No.: 68610-92-4. We make it from modified polymer cellulose derived from wood or cotton. It usually takes the form of a powder, with excellent water solubility and good compatibility with various surfactants.
Core Characteristics:
It has strong cationic conditioning performance, distinct film-forming feel, and outstanding moisturizing and repairing capabilities. It also helps restore the skin barrier, being gentle and non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin products.
Commonalities of the Two Raw Materials
Both are positively charged cationic polymers. They adsorb onto negatively charged hair and skin surfaces, providing conditioning, antistatic, and repairing benefits. They have stable physical and chemical properties, are easy to store, adapt to most daily chemical formula systems, and meet the mild and safe requirements of modern daily chemical products.
Main Application Scenarios
Application of PQ-7
Hair Care Products:PQ-7 is primarily used in everyday shampoos and body washes to improve hair smoothness and enhance the skin’s softness. In addition, it can be added to leave-in conditioners and styling mousses to prevent static and frizz, as well as help maintain hairstyles.
Skincare Products:When used in facial cleansers and body washes, the PQ-7 gently nourishes the skin and reduces tightness after cleansing. This ingredient is compatible with other skincare ingredients and does not interfere with moisturizing or soothing effects.
Application of PQ-10
Hair Care Products: Ideal for perm and dye damage repair shampoos, high-conditioning conditioners, hair masks and hair oils. PQ‑10 also works well in silicone‑free shampoos. It lowers environmental harm and boosts hair manageability.
Skin Care Products:PQ-7 can be used in body lotions, hand creams and sensitive skin care products. And is gentle and non-irritating for all skin types.
