New conditioning polymer for rinse-off applications

The polymer creates a new dimension in conditioning. Despite its high cationic charge density, it can be formulated with a broad variety of anionic surfactants. The high charge density ensures that damaged hair receives the exact amount of conditioner it needs for repair and revitalisation. An extremely thin structure is formed without causing build-up, making the hair feel soft and natural. Depending on the usage concentration, hair volume can be effectively controlled, and frizz is significantly reduced. Moreover, stylability and colouring behaviour improve. The polymer is delivered in an aqueous solution, which makes it easy to formulate and to process. No pre-swelling or emulsification is needed. More flexibility and less complexity offer a new degree of freedom for formulating shampoos.

Easily handled

Luviquat Sensation, with the INCI name of Polyquaternium-87, is an aqueous solution with concentration of 26 wt% solids. The product is a clear, slightly yellowish and light viscous liquid (80-400 mPas at 23°C) which can be easily handled to formulate shampoo and cleansing formulations. The average polymer molecular weight is 100,000–170,000 g/mol. The cationic activity depends on the pH value and is about 5.2 meq/g at pH 5.5 and about 3.7 meq/g at pH 7.3. The cationic charge density of the polymer is considerably higher than that of marketed products which are in the range of 1-1.5 meq/g. The formulation of high charge density polymers was not generally possible in cleansing formulations due to instabilities with the anionic surfactant environment. The combination of high charge density at low molecular weight and formulations stability is a unique feature of the new polymer. Higher molecular weights cationic polymers frequently lead to excessive build-up on the hair.