Polyquaternium-44 is a cationic conditioning polymer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations, particularly hair-care and cleansing products. It provides antistatic and film-forming properties and can help improve hair manageability, combability, smoothness and overall sensory performance.
Polyquaternium-44 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium material based primarily on vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole monomers. Its cationic structure allows the polymer to interact with negatively charged hair surfaces and contribute to conditioning and static-control effects.
The ingredient is particularly useful in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body washes and liquid cleansing products. Commercial Polyquaternium-44 grades are available with different molecular weights, polymer compositions and solids levels, so exact physical and technical specifications should always be matched to the selected supplier grade.
Polyquaternium-44 is a cationic polymeric quaternary ammonium salt composed of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole-derived monomers.
Its INCI name is Polyquaternium-44. COSMILE Europe identifies its primary cosmetic functions as antistatic and film forming, while cosmetic ingredient references also describe its use as a conditioning polymer for hair and cleansing formulations.
The positive charge of the polymer allows it to associate with negatively charged hair surfaces. This can reduce static, improve combability and create a smoother hair feel.
Polyquaternium-44 is also used in cleansing systems because it can contribute to conditioning performance without necessarily producing a heavy residual feel when an appropriate grade and concentration are selected.
Polyquaternium-44 is used to provide conditioning, antistatic and film-forming performance in cosmetic formulations.
It can support:
The polymer is especially useful in formulations where conditioning performance is required without significantly compromising the cleansing profile of the finished product.
Hair care is one of the primary application areas for Polyquaternium-44.
The cationic polymer can interact with the hair surface and form a conditioning layer. This can improve the surface properties of hair and reduce friction between individual hair fibers.
Potential benefits include:
Polyquaternium-44 is particularly relevant to shampoo and cleansing formulations where conditioning performance needs to be incorporated directly into the cleansing system. Technical references describe its use in clear shampoos, moisturizing shampoos, shower gels and liquid soaps.
Polyquaternium-44 can be incorporated into surfactant-based cleansing formulations such as:
Its conditioning properties can help reduce the harsh or tight sensory feel that may occur after cleansing.
The polymer can also contribute to a richer sensory profile and improved hair feel in suitable shampoo systems.
Polyquaternium-44 is primarily recognized for hair-care and film-forming applications, but it can also be considered for selected personal-care and skin-cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
COSMILE Europe identifies Polyquaternium-44 as a synthetic ingredient used particularly in hair-care and nail-care products, with antistatic and film-forming functions.
Polyquaternium-44 is generally supplied as a liquid polymer preparation and is water-compatible. Commercial grades can differ in solids content, molecular weight and viscosity.
The exact supplier TDS should be consulted for the appropriate incorporation method.
Polyquaternium-44 can be incorporated into aqueous cosmetic systems according to the supplier's recommended processing procedure.
Controlled addition and adequate mixing help ensure uniform distribution throughout the formulation.
In surfactant-containing systems, the order of addition can influence viscosity, clarity, conditioning performance and final product stability.
The suitable formulation pH depends on the exact commercial grade and the complete formulation.
Polyquaternium-44 should be evaluated for compatibility with the selected surfactants, preservatives, electrolytes and other ionic ingredients before finalizing the formulation.
Polyquaternium-44 is particularly useful in cleansing formulations. Commercial information describes its use in shampoos and cleansing products including shower gels, body washes and liquid soaps.
Compatibility should nevertheless be confirmed for the exact grade and surfactant system.
Polyquaternium-44 should be stored according to the applicable supplier TDS and packaging instructions.
Liquid grades should be protected from unsuitable temperatures, contamination and prolonged exposure to conditions that could affect viscosity or physical stability.
Polyquaternium-44 can be considered for:
COSMILE Europe specifically identifies Polyquaternium-44 in hair-care and nail-care products, while technical ingredient references describe applications in shampoos, shower gels, body washes and liquid soaps.
Polyquaternium-44 is a cationic polymeric quaternary ammonium ingredient used primarily for antistatic and film-forming functions in cosmetic and personal-care products.
The INCI name is Polyquaternium-44.
The commonly supported CAS number for the vinylpyrrolidone/quaternized vinylimidazole polymer is 150599-70-5. PubChem and ECHA/FDA-linked substance records identify this CAS for Polyquaternium-44 associated with Luviquat UltraCare.
It is used primarily as an antistatic and film-forming ingredient in hair-care and personal-care formulations.
Yes. It is used as a cationic conditioning polymer, particularly in shampoo and cleansing formulations.
Yes. Polyquaternium-44 is used in clear shampoos, moisturizing shampoos and conditioning systems.
Yes. It can be used in shower gels, body washes and other cleansing formulations.
Yes. Commercial technical information describes Polyquaternium-44 as providing excellent wet and dry combability in suitable shampoo formulations.
There is no single universal dosage for all Polyquaternium-44 grades. Use level depends on polymer composition, solids content, molecular weight and the final formulation. The actual supplier TDS should be used to determine the recommended dosage.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |