Polyquaternium-28

Polyquaternium-28 is a styling + conditioning polymer you add to hair products to give hair that “smooth, manageable, salon finish”—without making it greasy.

The easiest way to picture it: it creates a clear, flexible “invisible film” on the hair that helps with:

• Slip & detangling (hair feels smoother, easier to comb)

• Frizz control & humidity resistance

• Curl definition / curl retention

• Light hold + body (especially in gels, sprays, mousses)

It’s commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, styling creams/lotions, gels, mousses, and styling sprays, and it’s known for making clear, non-tacky films that don’t leave hair feeling stiff or crunchy when used correctly.

What it’s best for

Shampoos that feel less drying
Conditioners + leave-ins with better slip
Styling gels/sprays/mousses with curl hold + shine
Clear products (it’s designed to stay clear and glossy in many systems)

How to Use (simple step-by-step)

Step 1 — Add it to the water side

Polyquaternium-28 is water-soluble and is typically supplied as a water-based solution (a common commercial grade is sold as a 20% aqueous solution).

Best practice:

1. Add Polyquaternium-28 into your water phase (or during cool-down if your system is sensitive).

2. Mix gently until fully uniform.

3. Continue building your formula.

4. Adjust thickness last (especially for shampoos/body wash).

Step 2 — If it’s thick, pre-dilute for easier measuring (optional)

If your Polyquaternium-28 is very viscous, pre-mix it with a small amount of distilled water before adding it to your batch. This makes it easier to weigh and reduces clumping/bubbles.

How much do I use?

Option A (most beginner-friendly): think in “% of finished product”

A practical starting point for many hair products is low-to-moderate levels, then adjust based on feel.

Option B (most accurate): dose by “polymer solids”

We recommends 0.25% – 4.0% polymer solids depending on the product type and the hold/feel you want.

Quick cheat sheet Our Polyquaternium-28 is a 20% solution)

To hit the solids range above, here’s what that looks like as supplied:

• 0.25% solids → 1.25% as supplied

• 0.5% solids → 2.5% as supplied

• 1.0% solids → 5% as supplied

• 2.0% solids → 10% as supplied

• 4.0% solids → 20% as supplied

“How much in 100g?” examples (20% solution)

• 2.5% = 2.5g in 100g (nice “starter” feel)

• 5% = 5g in 100g (stronger slip + more style film)

• 10% = 10g in 100g (much stronger film/hold—test carefully)

Pro Tips (prevents customer mistakes)

• Start low and increase gradually—too much polymer can feel heavy or tacky in some formulas.

• For shampoos/body wash: add before final thickening; it can change how your formula thickens.

• Polyquaternium-28 is designed to be compatible with common surfactant types (helpful in cleansers/shampoos).