Polyquaternium-11

Polyquaternium-11 (CAS 53633-54-8) is a cationic conditioning polymer. Also marketed as Gafquat 734 and Gafquat 755.

Where is Polyquaternium-11 used?

• Hair care: fixative and conditioner in styling gels, mousses and sprays, delivering hold and reducing flyaways
• Shampoos and conditioners: wet detangling and smooth feel that persists after rinsing
• Textile processing: surface modifier improving fiber softness and antistatic performance
• Paper and leather treatments: surface conditioning agent improving tactile properties
• It deposits onto negatively charged surfaces to improve texture and film formation.
• Combines well with carbomer to produce smooth, easily applied gels.
• In hot process applications, added to the water phase and dispersed.

Good to know: Known by the abbreviation PQ-11. Improves combability without stiffness, allowing better manageability in various hair types.

Formulation notes

• Can be used in combination with anionic and amphoteric surfactants.
• Recommended addition level in hair care products is 1–3%.

Typical specification

• Standard high-molecular-weight grade has a pH of 5-7.
• Viscosity of 20000-60000 mPa·s.
• A lower-molecular-weight grade is carried in ethanol at 28-32% solids and is suggested for spray applications.

Regulatory status

• The CIR assessment tracks residual vinylpyrrolidone in Polyquaternium-11, capped at 1.0% by industry specifications.
• INCI name is POLYQUATERNIUM-11; CosIng-listed functions are antistatic and film forming.
• Reported by the FDA to be used in various hair care preparations at concentrations up to 50%.
• Listed as Active on the US EPA TSCA Inventory; REACH registration status is not determined from the ECHA public register.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Should be stored in tight containers.
• Commonly packed in 200-kg plastic drums or IBCs.

Frequently asked questions about Polyquaternium-11

Can Polyquaternium-11 be used in skin care formulations?

It can also be used to improve the skin feel in skin care products.

How does Polyquaternium-11 affect hair dullness after repeated shampooing?

Polyquaternium-11 suppresses melanin elution in shampoo and thus prevents hair from becoming dull after repeated shampooing.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.