Polyquaternium 16

Polyquaternium-16 (CAS 95144-24-4) is a cationic copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazolium chloride used primarily in personal care and industrial formulations. It functions as a conditioning agent and film-former. The polymer deposits a substantive charge on hair and skin surfaces to improve texture and manageability. In industrial contexts, it modifies surface charge and rheological behavior across textile, leather, and paper processing applications.

In hair care, it is incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and styling products where it reduces static and improves combability. It provides hold without excessive buildup in various cosmetic applications. Rinse-off and leave-in formulations benefit from its ability to adhere to negatively charged hair fibers even under wet conditions. This makes it a versatile ingredient for high-performance hair care systems.

In textile processing, it acts as a softening and antistatic agent applied during finishing stages to modify fabric hand feel. Paper and leather manufacturers use it as a surface modifier to improve coating adhesion. The chemical helps manage charge distribution across substrates in diverse manufacturing environments. Polyquaternium-16 is commercially supplied as an aqueous solution, typically at active polymer concentrations.

It is available in cosmetic-grade specifications meeting the requirements of major international ingredient standards. Packaging is offered in drums and intermediate bulk containers for industrial-scale procurement.