Polyquaternium-16 is a cationic polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations, particularly in hair-care and hair-styling products. It is valued for its film-forming, antistatic, hair-conditioning and hair-fixing properties. Its cationic character enables interaction with the negatively charged surface of hair, supporting improved manageability, combability, smoothness and styling performance.
Polyquaternium-16 is a quaternary ammonium polymer associated with vinylpyrrolidone-based polymer chemistry. It is used where a formulation requires a combination of film formation, conditioning and styling support.
The ingredient can be considered for shampoos, conditioners, leave-on hair products, styling formulations and other personal-care applications. Performance depends on the commercial grade, molecular characteristics, concentration, formulation pH and compatibility with other ingredients.
Polyquaternium-16 is a cationic cosmetic polymer belonging to the polyquaternium family. Its positively charged functionality allows it to interact with hair fibres and contribute to surface conditioning and film formation.
Its main cosmetic functions include:
Different commercial grades may have different molecular weights, viscosity, solids content and charge characteristics.
Polyquaternium-16 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium material used primarily in hair-care and personal-care formulations.
INCI Name: Polyquaternium-16
CAS Number: 29279-32-3
Chemical Class: Cationic Polymer
Polymer Type: Quaternary Ammonium-Containing Vinyl Polymer
Because it is a polymeric material, commercial specifications can vary considerably between grades.
Polyquaternium-16 can form a polymeric film on hair after application and drying.
This can contribute to:
The final film characteristics depend on the polymer grade, concentration, solvent system and formulation composition.
Polyquaternium-16 can provide conditioning characteristics in hair-care formulations.
It may contribute to:
Its performance depends on the selected grade and the complete formulation system.
The cationic character of Polyquaternium-16 can help reduce static electricity on hair.
This can support:
This property makes it useful in selected conditioning and styling formulations.
Polyquaternium-16 can be considered for shampoo formulations where conditioning and manageability are desired alongside cleansing.
Potential benefits include:
Formulators should evaluate compatibility with the surfactant system and other charged ingredients.
In conditioning formulations, Polyquaternium-16 can contribute to surface conditioning and improved hair feel.
Potential applications include:
Its film-forming and cationic characteristics make Polyquaternium-16 suitable for selected styling formulations.
Potential applications include:
The selected grade should be matched to the required hold, flexibility, viscosity and sensory profile.
Polyquaternium-16 can deposit onto the hair surface and support improved hair manageability.
It may help with:
When formulating with Polyquaternium-16, formulators should evaluate:
Because Polyquaternium-16 is cationic, interactions with anionic surfactants and polymers may influence viscosity, clarity, deposition and final product performance.
Polyquaternium-16 can be considered for:
Polyquaternium-16 is a cationic cosmetic polymer used in hair-care and personal-care formulations for film formation, conditioning, antistatic performance and styling support.
The CAS number is 29279-32-3.
The INCI name is Polyquaternium-16.
Its principal cosmetic functions include antistatic, film forming, hair conditioning and hair fixing.
Yes. Polyquaternium-16 is a cationic polymer containing quaternary ammonium functionality.
Yes. Suitable grades can be incorporated into shampoo formulations where conditioning and improved manageability are required.
Yes. It can be used in selected rinse-off and leave-on conditioning formulations.
Yes. Its film-forming properties can support selected styling and hair-setting formulations.
Its cationic character provides antistatic properties that can help reduce static and improve hair manageability.
Solubility and handling characteristics are grade-dependent and should be confirmed against the technical documentation for the selected commercial grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |