Polyquaternium-39 is a multifunctional cosmetic conditioning polymer used in hair-care, skin-care and personal-care formulations. It provides antistatic, film-forming and hair-fixing properties and can improve the sensory characteristics, manageability and surface feel of finished cosmetic products.
Polyquaternium-39 is a polymerized quaternary ammonium salt formed from acrylic acid, acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Its polymeric structure provides conditioning and film-forming performance while allowing compatibility with a variety of cosmetic formulation systems.
The ingredient is particularly useful in shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, styling products, hair dyes, bleaches and permanent-wave products. It can also be incorporated into skin lotions, moisturizing creams, cleansing products, shower products and other personal-care formulations.
Commercial Polyquaternium-39 grades are commonly supplied as clear or translucent viscous liquids, although physical properties can vary according to polymer composition, solids content and carrier system.
Polyquaternium-39 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound based on acrylic acid, acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride.
The INCI name is Polyquaternium-39 and its commonly associated CAS number is 25136-75-8. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review and cosmetic ingredient databases identify Polyquaternium-39 as an antistatic, film-forming and hair-fixing ingredient.
The polymer carries ionic functionality that enables it to interact with hair and other surfaces. This can help improve lubrication, reduce static electricity and provide a conditioning film.
Polyquaternium-39 is particularly valuable in formulations where both conditioning and sensory improvement are required.
Polyquaternium-39 can improve the physical and sensory characteristics of cosmetic formulations through film formation, conditioning and antistatic activity.
It can support:
Its polymeric film can help create a smoother surface on hair fibers and contribute to improved handling and combability.
Commercial technical information also describes Polyquaternium-39 as useful for reducing the harsh or tight feel associated with some cleansing systems while contributing to a smoother sensory profile.
Hair care is a major application area for Polyquaternium-39.
After cleansing, hair can become more negatively charged and may develop increased friction and static. The cationic functionality of Polyquaternium-39 allows the polymer to interact with the hair surface and form a conditioning film.
This can contribute to:
Polyquaternium-39 can therefore be used in rinse-off and leave-on hair-care products depending on the selected grade and formulation requirements.
Polyquaternium-39 is also useful in skin-care formulations where film formation, moisturization support and sensory modification are desired.
Potential applications include:
In skin-care products, the polymer can contribute to a smooth and velvety skin feel. Certain commercial grades are specifically described as providing moisturization and reducing tightness after cleansing.
Polyquaternium-39 is commonly supplied as a viscous liquid polymer preparation. Published supplier information describes certain grades as soluble in water in all proportions and soluble in hydroalcoholic systems containing up to approximately 40% ethanol.
The exact solubility profile should be confirmed for the specific commercial grade.
Polyquaternium-39 can generally be incorporated into the aqueous phase of cosmetic formulations.
For certain grades, supplier guidance recommends adding the polymer to water before other formulation ingredients. Controlled addition and adequate mixing help ensure uniform distribution.
It can also be incorporated using cold-processing methods in suitable formulations.
Polyquaternium-39 can be used across a broad pH range depending on the commercial grade and formulation system.
Published technical information for one commercial grade describes a usable range around pH 3–14. This should be considered grade-specific rather than a universal specification for every Polyquaternium-39 product.
The final formulation pH should be selected according to the complete formulation and stability requirements.
Polyquaternium-39 can be useful in surfactant-based cosmetic systems. Certain commercial grades are specifically described as compatible with anionic and amphoteric surfactants.
Compatibility testing remains important because the final behavior depends on surfactant concentration, polymer charge density, electrolytes and other formulation ingredients.
Polyquaternium-39 should be stored according to the applicable supplier TDS and packaging instructions.
Liquid grades should be protected from excessive heat, freezing and contamination. The exact storage temperature and shelf life are grade-specific.
Polyquaternium-39 can be considered for:
Published technical information identifies hair-care applications including bleaches, dyes, shampoos, conditioners, styling products and permanent waves, as well as skin-care and toiletry applications.
Polyquaternium-39 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium cosmetic ingredient used mainly for antistatic, film-forming, conditioning and hair-fixing functions.
The INCI name is Polyquaternium-39.
The commonly associated CAS number is 25136-75-8.
It is used in hair conditioners, shampoos, styling products, hair treatments, cleansing products, skin lotions and other personal-care formulations.
Yes. It is used as a conditioning polymer and provides antistatic and film-forming properties.
Yes. It is used in shampoo and conditioning-shampoo formulations and can improve hair feel, lubrication and manageability.
Yes. It can be used in selected creams, lotions and cleansing products to improve skin feel and provide film-forming functionality.
Certain commercial grades demonstrate good compatibility with anionic and amphoteric surfactants. Compatibility should be confirmed for the exact grade and formulation.
Use level is grade- and formulation-dependent. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review reported cosmetic use concentrations up to 3% for Polyquaternium-39, while specific commercial grades may recommend lower levels.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |