Five INCI names, different polymer chemistries
Polyquaternium-6
A homopolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). Evaluate it for wet slip and combing in shampoos and selected hair-care systems.
Polyquaternium-7
A copolymer of DADMAC and acrylamide. Screen it in shampoos, body washes and liquid cleansers where wet combing, rinse feel or foam texture matters.
Polyquaternium-10
A cationically modified hydroxyethylcellulose. Consider it for wet combing, conditioning and deposition in shampoo and hair-care formulas.
Polyquaternium-22
A copolymer of DADMAC and acrylic acid. Screen it where conditioning or slip is needed in a rinse-off or hair-treatment formula.
Polyquaternium-39
A terpolymer of DADMAC, acrylamide and acrylic acid. Evaluate it in shampoos and body washes where wet slip, rinse feel and surfactant compatibility are priorities.
Supplied solids by grade
Compare the active-polymer level when screening grades with different solids contents.
| Polymer | Supplier grades | Solids ranges (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Polyquaternium-6 | ACPQ-6, ACPQ-6S | 39–42 |
| Polyquaternium-7 | ACPQ-71, ACPQ-72, ACPQ-73, ACPQ-74 | 8.5–9.5; 41–45 |
| Polyquaternium-22 | ACPQ-221, ACPQ-222, ACPQ-223 | 39–43; 35–40 |
| Polyquaternium-39 | ACPQ-391, ACPQ-392, ACPQ-393 | 9.0–11.0; 10.0–11.0 |
How to shortlist
Start with the finished formula and target performance. Compare the actual grade data and test samples in the same base.