General Information
- Product Name: Polyquaternium-39
- CAS: 25136-75-8
- Synonyms: AA/DADMAC/AM copolymer, AA/DMDAAC/AM copolymer, Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride, Acrylic acid and acrylamide copolymer
- Molecular Formula: (C3H3O2)n·(C8H16NCl)m·(C3H5NO)r
- Molecular Weight: 1.2-1.6×106
- Appearance: Colorlessviscous liquid
Description
Polyquaternium-39 is a widely used cationic copolymer, renowned for its versatility and performance in personal care formulations. This ingredient is integral to various hair and skin care products, where it enhances conditioning, moisture retention, and overall product stability.
Performance Characteristics
- High Charge Density: Polyquaternium-39 possesses a high charge density, allowing for enhanced electrostatic interactions with hair and skin.
- Moisture Retention: It excels in retaining moisture, providing significant hydration and softness to hair and skin.
- Wide pH Range: Functional across a pH spectrum of 1-14, making it suitable for a variety of formulations, including those designed for chemically treated or dry hair.
- Compatibility: It demonstrates excellent compatibility with most cationic and amphoteric surfactants, facilitating diverse formulations.
Technology Parameters
| Items | QAC-P042 | QAC-P043 | QAC-P044 |
| Solid Content (%) | 9.0-11.0 | 9.0-11.0 | 10.0-11.0 |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 | 5.5-7.0 | 6.0-7.2 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤20 | ≤15 | ≤20 |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25℃, cps) | 4000-10000（#3@12rpm） | 5500-16000（#3@6rpm） | 2000-20000（#3@6rpm） |
Applications
Polyquaternium-39 plays a crucial role in improving the quality and effectiveness of both hair and skin care products.
Polyquaternium-39 is widely used in hair care formulations due to its conditioning and moisturizing properties, enhancing both the feel and manageability of hair. Common applications include:
- Shampoos: It improves cleansing and conditioning effects.
- Conditioners: It enhances detangling and softness.
- Styling Aids: It can be used in mousses and gels for added volume and curl definition.
Its ability to retain moisture and improve skin texture makes it a valuable ingredient in various skin care products:
- Moisturizers: It provides a soft, smooth feel while hydrating the skin.
- Cleansing Products: It enhances foam stability and richness in hand washes, body washes, and liquid soaps.
- Shaving Creams and Deodorants: It improves application performance and skin feel.
Recommended Usage Concentrations
- Hair Care Products: 1.0% in shampoos and conditioners; up to 3.0% in other applications.
- Skin Care Products: 1.5% concentration recommended for optimal performance.
Packaging and Storage
- Packaging: Packaged in 125 kg PE plastic drums
- Storage Recommendations: Keep containers tightly closed to preserve product integrity. Store away from strong oxidizing agents to prevent reactions. Product remains stable for up to two years under optimal conditions.
Polyquaternium-39 from Alfa Chemistry is an essential ingredient for formulators aiming to deliver superior hair and skin care products, characterized by its excellent conditioning properties and versatile applications. To place an order or request a quote, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Case Study
Polyquaternium-39 for the Preparation of Safe and Effective Cosmetic Formulations
Johnson Jr, W., Heldreth, B., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., ... & Andersen, F. A. (2016). International journal of toxicology, 35(3_suppl), 47S-53S.
Polyquaternium-39 (PQ-39) is a high-molecular-weight, highly polar polymer extensively utilized in cosmetic formulations as an antistatic agent, film former, and hair fixative. Its application spans both rinse-off and leave-on products, including hair conditioners, styling agents, lotions, powders, and indoor tanning preparations, with typical use concentrations ranging up to 3%. PQ-39 is applied to hair and skin and may incidentally contact eyes and mucous membranes during routine use.
Toxicological evaluation indicates that unreacted monomer content is minimal, with no observed genotoxicity in bacterial assays and no reported skin irritation or sensitization at practical use levels. Although mammalian genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity data are limited, the physicochemical properties of PQ-39—specifically its large size and high polarity—suggest minimal systemic absorption. Consequently, the polymer is unlikely to elicit significant local or systemic toxic effects.
In practical usage, PQ-39-containing aerosol sprays and powders primarily release droplets or particles with aerodynamic diameters exceeding 10 µm, which deposit in the nasopharyngeal and bronchial regions rather than reaching the lungs, further minimizing respiratory exposure risk. The polymer's combination of physicochemical stability, functional performance, and favorable safety profile supports its continued use in modern cosmetic applications.
Overall, PQ-39 provides both functional efficacy—enhancing hair manageability, styling durability, and product film formation—and a high safety margin under typical cosmetic application scenarios, confirming its suitability for widespread consumer use in rinse-off and leave-on personal care products.