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Moumoujus

QUATERNIUM-78.

Insufficient Data / ANTISTATIC, HAIR CONDITIONING

Quaternium-78 is a cationic polymer engineered to bind effectively to negatively charged surfaces of skin and hair, delivering conditioning benefits such as enhanced softness and smoothness. Beyond its conditioning role, it also functions as a cleansing agent and an emulsifier, enhancing formulation versatility.

Summary

Hair conditioning Skin conditioning Antistatic Cleansing agent Emulsifying agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a cationic polymer, meaning it possesses positively charged groups derived from polymerized alkyl polyglucosides. These cationic sites facilitate strong electrostatic binding to the naturally negatively charged surfaces of both hair and skin. This interaction fundamentally improves the tactile properties and appearance of these substrates, acting as a conditioning agent. Furthermore, its ability to reduce interfacial tension allows it to serve as an effective cleansing agent and emulsifier within formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3.5 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

For optimal performance and stability within a cosmetic matrix, formulations containing Quaternium-78 are typically recommended to be adjusted to a pH range of 3.5 to 5.5. A 10% aqueous solution of the raw material exhibits a pH of 7.0. It is noted for its low-irritation profile in finished products, providing excellent conditioning without generating a greasy residue. This polymer also supports viscosity in shampoos, improves wet combability, controls fly-away hair, and enhances the overall preservation of formulations. It is shipped preservative-free, enabling its use in preservative-free product development.

Synergies

  • Demonstrates compatibility with anionic ingredients, broadening its application range in cleansing and conditioning systems.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Low

While initial data showed a mild, delayed irritant reaction (Primary Irritation Index of 1.92 out of 8) on abraded rabbit skin at a 5% aqueous dispersion, subsequent 48-hour occlusive patch tests on human volunteers using 'Poly Suga®Quat products' (which include Quaternium-78) revealed no visible skin reaction or potential for dermal irritation or allergic contact sensitization. This suggests a low irritation profile when incorporated into finished formulations. A dedicated CIR Final Safety Assessment specifically for Quaternium-78 is currently pending, though relevant data exists within broader assessments.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

Quaternium-78 is a versatile conditioning, cleansing, and emulsifying agent with a low irritation profile in formulations, yet a comprehensive CIR safety assessment is still categorized as having insufficient data for a definitive conclusion.

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