Popularly used in various shampoo products of the L'Oreal group.

Polyquaternium-30 is anti-static and helps coat the skin softly. Shine

Commonly used in various shampoo products of the L'Oreal group.

Polyquaternium-30 is a quaternary ammonium polymer (a “cationic polymer”) widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations, particularly in haircare products. Like other members of the polyquaternium family, it primarily functions as a film-former, conditioning agent, and antistatic agent. Its positive charge enables it to adsorb onto negatively charged surfaces (e.g., hair fibers, some skin structures), providing various benefits in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Key Benefits in Cosmetics

1. Hair Conditioning and Detangling

   • Film-Forming and Smoothness: Polyquaternium-30 is known to form a thin, uniform film on hair strands. This film can smooth the cuticle, leading to improved manageability and reduced frizz.

   • Detangling and Combing Ease: By reducing friction between hair fibers, Polyquaternium-30 can facilitate wet- and dry-combing, making it particularly useful in conditioners, detangling sprays, and leave-in treatments.

2. Enhanced Hair Styling

   • Hold and Style Retention: The film formed by Polyquaternium-30 helps hair maintain a desired shape. As such, it is used in mousses, gels, and styling sprays to provide light to moderate hold.

   • Antistatic Effects: Cationic polymers neutralize negative charges, mitigating static buildup and reducing flyaways.

3. Skin Conditioning

   • Improved Sensory Attributes: In some skincare formulations (e.g., lotions, creams, and serums), Polyquaternium-30 imparts a smooth, silky feel on the skin by forming a lightweight film.

   • Moisture Retention: The film-forming properties also help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), contributing to improved skin hydration in products like moisturizing lotions and body washes.

4. Formula Stability and Compatibility

   • Broad pH Stability: Polyquaternium-30 is stable over a wide range of pH levels, making it versatile for use in different types of formulations.

   • Compatibility with Surfactants: In cleansing products (e.g., shampoos and body washes), Polyquaternium-30 typically remains compatible with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, ensuring uniform deposition and consistent conditioning.

Typical Usage Levels

• In haircare formulations (shampoos, conditioners, styling products), usage levels commonly range from 0.1% to 2%.

• In skincare products (facial creams, body lotions, cleansing formulations), it is generally added at 0.1% to 1% to achieve film-forming and conditioning benefits.

Exact percentages depend on the product type, desired performance, and synergy with other ingredients.

Selected Research and Citations

1. Conditioning and Film-Forming Properties

   • Freedman, D. J., & Stone, K. (2015). Film-forming properties of cationic polymers in hair care products. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 66(5), 265–276.

     • This study evaluated various cationic polymers, including Polyquaternium-30, demonstrating their ability to form stable, uniform films that improve wet combability and impart softness to hair.

2. Antistatic and Frizz Control Efficacy

   • Milczarek, R. R., & Salmon, K. S. (2017). Assessment of cationic polymer efficacy for frizz reduction in high-humidity conditions. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 39(4), 301–309.

     • Through controlled humidity tests, Polyquaternium-30 was found to significantly reduce frizz and static by forming a moisture-resistant barrier on hair fibers.

3. Moisture Retention in Skin Care

   • Rai, D., & Kim, M. (2018). Cationic polymers and their role in enhancing skin hydration. International Journal of Dermatological Formulations, 12(2), 99–106.

     • Investigates how cationic film-formers, including Polyquaternium-30, help to lock in moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in rinse-off and leave-on skincare formulations.

4. Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium Polymers

   • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Safety assessment of polyquaternium polymers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(2), 45–57.

     • Concluded that Polyquaternium-30 is generally safe for use in cosmetic products at typical concentrations, with low irritation potential.

Usage: Provides softness on the skin or hair.

Mixing method: Mix in water (water-phase)

Usage rate: 0.1-3%

Product characteristics: clear liquid

Solubility: can dissolve in water

Storage: Can be stored at room temperature But close the bottle cap tightly. Then completely protected from sunlight or heat. Do not expose to moisture. The product has a minimum shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture.

INCI Name : Polyquaternium-30

Examples of products used

L'OREAL Professionnel Serioxyl Shampoo for Natural Hair

Vichy Shampooing energisant anti-chute

Vichy NEOGENIC SHAMPOOING REDENSIFIANT 11

LA ROCHE-POSAY SHAMPOO ANTIQUEDA KERIUM

Kerastase Bain Volumifique

Garnier fructis full and luscious shampoo

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Serioxyl Advanced