a microemulsion of a quaternized silicone terpolymer (Silicone Quaternium-18) designed to deliver lightweight conditioning in rinse-off and leave-on systems. Below is a detailed overview of its conditioning mechanism, recommended use levels, formulating best practices, and compatibility/stability profile.

Hair-Cond™ Silk PMF is a microemulsion of a quaternized silicone terpolymer (Silicone Quaternium-18) designed to deliver lightweight conditioning in rinse-off and leave-on systems. Below is a detailed overview of its conditioning mechanism, recommended use levels, formulating best practices, and compatibility/stability profile.

Summary

Hair-Cond™ Silk PMF deposits a thin, lubricious cationic film on negatively charged keratin surfaces, dramatically reducing wet and dry combing forces while imparting silk-like softness without heaviness. It is typically incorporated at 1–5 % as-received in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and light leave-on treatments. For optimal performance, add Hair-Cond™ Silk PMF into the cool water phase (< 40 °C) under gentle stirring; it remains stable across pH 4–7 and is fully compatible with anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants. The emulsion is chemically stable under normal storage, with no hazardous polymerization or known incompatibilities.

Mechanism of Action

Silicone Quaternium-18 is a cationic polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer that adsorbs strongly onto negatively charged hair and skin via electrostatic attraction, forming a uniform lubricating film that reduces fiber friction and static electricity, thereby improving wet and dry combability and reducing tangles

The quaternary ammonium groups provide substantive adhesion to keratin, ensuring deposition even in the presence of rinsing, while the silicone backbone imparts slip and “silky” dry sensory without oily residue

Nonionic ethoxylates (Trideceth-6, Deceth-7) in the formulation stabilize the silicone quat microdroplets and promote dilution stability, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing phase separation on dilution

Typical Applications & Usage Levels

• Shampoos (rinse-off): 3–5 % as-received delivers outstanding softness and manageability without weighing hair down.

• Rinse-off Conditioners: 2–3 % provides smooth detangling and a light, non-greasy finish ideal for all hair types, including chemically treated or damaged hair.

• Shower Gels & Body Washes: 1–2 % enhances lather creaminess and leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned without slippery residue.

• Light Leave-On Treatments: Up to 1 % for shine enhancement and fly-away control in lightweight styling products.

Formulation Guidelines

1. Phase Addition: Incorporate Hair-Cond™ Silk PMF into the water phase at ≤ 40 °C under gentle stir (≤ 300 rpm) to preserve microemulsion integrity.

2. pH Range: Optimal stability and performance occur between pH 4.0 and 7.0; adjust with citric acid or sodium hydroxide as needed.

3. Shear Sensitivity: Avoid high-shear homogenization; standard mixing with propeller or paddle mixers is sufficient.

4. Surfactant Compatibility: Fully compatible with common anionic surfactants (SLS, SLES), amphoterics (cocamidopropyl betaine), and nonionics; the cocamidopropyl betaine in the system further aids silicone solubilization.

5. Temperature Sensitivity: Can be cold-processed or heated up to 60 °C without phase inversion, but avoid temperatures below 0 °C to prevent microemulsion destabilization.

Compatibility & Stability

• Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and processing conditions; no hazardous polymerization or degradation occurs.

• pH Stability: Maintains clarity and performance across pH 4–7; slight acidification below pH 4 may increase viscosity but not compromise function.

• Dilution Stability: Retains microemulsion structure when diluted down to 0.5 % active, ideal for clear formulations.

• Surfactant & Oil Compatibility: No known incompatibilities with esters, ethers, mineral oils, or plant oils; works seamlessly in O/W and W/O systems.

• Storage: Store at ambient temperatures (5–35 °C), protect from freezing; avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Use: Can be used in a nourishing coating formula for soft hair.

How to mix: Mix in water

Utilization rate: 0.1-5%

Product characteristics: Clear white to yellow liquid

Solubility: can be dispersed in water

Storage: can be stored at room temperature But close the bottle cap tightly. Then completely covered from sunlight or heat, the product is at least 2 years old.

INCI Name : Silicone Quaternium- 18 (and) Trideceth 6 (and) Deceth 7 (and) Cocamidopropyl Betaine (and) Dipropylene Glycol (and) Propylene Glycol