POLYQUATERNIUM-80 (Polyquaternium-80) – function in cosmetics

A cationic polymer based on lauryl glucoside, used for cleansing and hair conditioning.

What it is

Polyquaternium-80 is, according to CosIng, a polymer formed by crosslinking lauryl glucoside with 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and then quaternising the remaining chloropropanol groups with lauryldimethylamine. CosIng lists it as a cleansing agent, emulsifying surfactant and hair-conditioning agent.

Where it is used

Found in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and facial cleansers.

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 polyquaternium number is only a registration number and says nothing about the polymer's structure.

Functions

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

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.

POLYQUATERNIUM-80

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (12)