Polyquaternium-22

Polyquaternium-22 (CAS 53694-17-0) is a cationic copolymer used across personal care and industrial formulations for conditioning, film formation, and rheology control. It is commercially recognized under the DADMAC/acrylic acid copolymer designation in technical procurement contexts.

Its cationic charge density makes it effective at binding to negatively charged surfaces, enabling durable deposition in rinse-off and leave-on systems. In hair care, it deposits a conditioning film on the hair shaft during shampooing.

This film improves wet combability and reduces static in finished products. Skin care formulators incorporate it as a moisturizing and film-forming agent in lotions, gels, and toners where it supports humectancy alongside texture modification.

In textile processing, it functions as a surface modifier to improve fiber feel and antistatic performance in finishing baths. Paper and leather manufacturers use it to enhance surface adhesion and modify substrate charge.

These applications occur during wet-end or coating operations to ensure uniform distribution. Polyquaternium-22 is supplied as an aqueous solution, with active polymer content typically ranging around 35–40% for ease of handling.

It is available in cosmetic-grade specifications meeting the requirements of personal care industry standards. Technical grades are also provided for industrial textile and paper applications requiring high-performance surface modification.