A cationic polysaccharide derivative used for hair conditioning and hair fixing.
What it is
Alpha-glucan hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is, according to CosIng, a quaternary ammonium salt of an alpha-glucan polysaccharide, in which hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium groups give the sugar polymer a positive charge. CosIng lists it as an antistatic, film-forming, hair-conditioning, hair-fixing and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in shampoos, conditioners, styling products and other hair care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not show the source of the polysaccharide or the degree of substitution, which is why more than one CAS number is listed.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Film forming
- Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Hair fixing
- Permitting physical control of hair style.
- Skin conditioning – miscellaneous
- Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.