Polyquaternium-37

Product Description

Polyquaternium-37 is a high-performance cationic homopolymer designed to function as both a superior rheology modifier and a conditioning agent. Unlike traditional anionic thickeners (like carbomers) that require neutralization and lose viscosity in acidic environments, Polyquaternium-37 is ready-to-use and thrives in low pH formulations. It swells immediately in water to create a rich, creamy texture with excellent suspending power. For B2B formulators, its standout feature is its sensory profile: it imparts a luxurious, "cushiony," and velvety-soft after-feel to the skin and hair, without any tackiness. This makes it a strategic ingredient for developing premium, high-viscosity cationic systems where traditional thickeners fail.

Product Uses

This polymer is a versatile workhorse for both skincare and haircare. In Skin Care, it is the industry standard for thickening acidic formulations, such as AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) creams, BHA serums, and Vitamin C treatments, maintaining stability where other polymers collapse. It is also perfect for cationic moisturizing lotions that require a powdery, non-greasy finish. In Hair Care, it serves as a core ingredient in deep conditioners and hair masks. It provides excellent detangling, static control, and substantivity to the hair shaft without the build-up associated with silicones, creating smooth, manageable hair.

Formulation Suggestions

Polyquaternium-37 is extremely user-friendly as it requires no neutralization (no alkali needed). It can be added to the aqueous phase at any stage, preferably dispersed in a non-solvent (like glycol or oil) first to prevent agglomeration, or added slowly with good agitation. It is compatible with cationic and non-ionic surfactants but is generally incompatible with anionic surfactants (like SLS), which can cause precipitation. It is heat stable and can be processed hot or cold. Recommended usage levels are 0.2% to 1.5% depending on desired viscosity. Our recommendations are for reference only; please follow the advice of your formulator for actual production.

Product Specification

• INCI Name: Polyquaternium-37
• Synonyms: Polymethacryloylethyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Homopolymer of TAMC
• CAS No.: 26161-33-1
• Molecular Formula: (C₉H₁₈ClNO₂)_n
• Appearance: White powder or white liquid emulsion (depending on grade)
• Purity: ≥98% (Powder form)
• Solubility: Swells in water; Insoluble in ethanol.
• Stability: Excellent stability in acidic pH (2.0-6.0). Cationic charge.
• Properties: Acid Thickener, Cationic Conditioner, Soft Sensory Profile
• Origin: China