Polyquaternium-39 (Cosmetic Grade)

Polyquaternium-39 is a hair-smoothing + anti-frizz polymer that you add to shampoos, body washes, conditioners, and styling products to make them feel more “salon-soft” and less drying.

Think of it like an invisible conditioning layer:

• helps hair feel softer and easier to detangle

• reduces that dry, squeaky feel after cleansing

• can help with frizz control and style support (light hold/film)

• can even help your shampoo/body wash feel richer and smoother

It’s used in both rinse-off and leave-on products, typically up to a few percent.

What it’s best for

Shampoos that need more slip + less tangling
Body wash/liquid soap that feels less drying
Conditioners + leave-ins for softness & manageability
Styling products (gels/sprays/creams) for light film + frizz control

How to Use (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Pick your starting %

A simple, beginner-friendly range:

• Rinse-off (shampoo/body wash/cleanser): 0.5% – 2%

• Leave-on (leave-in/styling): 0.2% – 1%

• Typical max seen in products: up to ~3%

Step 2 — Add it the right way

From-scratch formulas

1. Add Polyquaternium-39 into your water phase (or during cool-down).

2. Mix until fully uniform.

3. Build the rest of the formula as normal.

4. Thicken last (important for shampoo/body wash).

If you’re adding to a ready-made shampoo/base

1. Weigh your Polyquaternium-39.

2. Stir in slowly (avoid foaming).

3. Let it sit 30–60 minutes so the texture settles.

“How much in 100g?” (easy math)

• 0.5% = 0.5g in 100g

• 1% = 1g in 100g

• 2% = 2g in 100g

Pro Tips

• It may thicken your shampoo/body wash. This polymer can interact with surfactants and create a richer, thicker feel—so always adjust viscosity at the end.

• Start low and increase. Too much polymer can feel heavy depending on your formula.

• If your Polyquaternium-39 is very viscous, you can pre-mix it with a small amount of distilled water to make measuring easier (optional).