Polyquaternium-11
Hair Conditioning & Film-Forming Polymer
INCI: Polyquaternium-11 · CAS 53633-54-8 · Cationic Polymer · 19–21% Active Content · Water Soluble
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Polyquaternium-11 is a highly compatible cationic conditioning polymer in viscous liquid form with 19–21% active content. A quaternized copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate — widely used in hair care and skin care as a multifunctional conditioning additive.
In hair care it forms a lightweight, non-tacky continuous film on the hair surface, providing shine, detangling, de-frizzing, body, softness, and light hold. It improves both wet and dry combability, enhances curl retention, and boosts foam stability in shampoos. In skin care it improves skin feel, smoothness, and adherence in cleansers, lotions, and makeup formulations.
| INCI Name | CAS | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Polyquaternium-11 | 53633-54-8 | Quaternized copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Polyquaternium-11 |
| CAS number | 53633-54-8 |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid |
| Ionic character | Cationic |
| Solid content | 19–21% |
| pH (1% water solution) | 5–7 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤120 |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 20,000–70,000 cps |
| Residual vinylpyrrolidone | ≤0.1% |
| Solubility | Completely water soluble |
| Surfactant compatibility | Compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants and rheology modifiers |
| Certificate of Analysis | Download COA → |
| Spec Sheet | Download Spec Sheet → |
| System | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nonionic surfactants | Fully compatible — no formulation adjustments required |
| Anionic surfactants | Fully compatible — suitable for use in shampoos and body washes alongside anionic systems |
| Amphoteric surfactants | Fully compatible — works well in mild and sulfate-free cleansing systems |
| Carbomer gel systems | Combines directly with carbomer to produce smooth, easily applied gels |
| Rheology modifiers | Compatible with common cosmetic rheology modifiers |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Shampoos and conditioning shampoos | 1–5% |
| Hair conditioners and leave-in treatments | 1–5% |
| Hair masks | 2–5% |
| Hair mousses, gels, and styling creams | 2–8% |
| Hair sprays and setting lotions | 2–10% |
| Curl creams and leave-in treatments | 2–5% |
| Body washes, shower gels, and liquid soaps | 1–3% |
| Skin creams, body lotions, and shaving products | 1–3% |
| Facial cleansers | 1–3% |
| Makeup primers, foundations, and setting sprays | 1–5% |
| General use range | 1–10% |
- Add to the water phase — completely water soluble, incorporates easily at room temperature
- Compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants — versatile across shampoo, conditioner, and cleanser systems
- Compatible with rheology modifiers and carbomer gel systems — can be combined with carbomer to produce smooth, easily applied gels
- Forms an electrostatic combination with the negatively charged keratin of the hair — provides substantive conditioning that lasts through rinsing
- Improves foam stability in shampoos and cleansing products — does not reduce lather
- In styling products provides light hold, curl retention, and enhanced setting properties without stiffness or tackiness
- In makeup formulations improves adherence, helps delay fading and creasing, and enhances wear
- Produces a lightweight, non-tacky continuous film — no greasy or heavy residue on hair or skin
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Need a larger quantity? Reach out — support@inci-vault.com
Polyquaternium-11 (INCI: Polyquaternium-11 · CAS 53633-54-8) is a cationic conditioning polymer in viscous liquid form with 19–21% active content. Quaternized copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. Completely water soluble. Use at 1–10%. Compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants. Film forming · detangling · de-frizzing · curl retention · light hold · antistatic · foam stabilizer · skin conditioning · makeup adherence.
| What is it used for?A cationic conditioning polymer used at 1–10% in hair care, skin care, and makeup. In hair care — conditioning, detangling, de-frizzing, shine, body, curl retention, and light hold. In skin care — improved smoothness and skin feel. In makeup — improved adherence and wear. |
| How does it condition the hair?Forms an electrostatic bond with negatively charged keratin — creates a lightweight, non-tacky continuous film. Improves wet and dry combability, adds shine, softness, and body, reduces frizz, controls static, and provides curl retention and light hold. |
| Is it compatible with anionic surfactants?Yes — compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants and rheology modifiers. Suitable for use in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers without compatibility issues. |
| What is the active content?19–21% active content. At 5% use level you are adding approximately 1% active polymer to your formula. Account for this when calculating effective polymer concentration. |
| Can it be used in makeup?Yes — liquid foundations, primers, pressed powders, and setting sprays at 1–5%. Improves adherence, helps delay fading and creasing, and forms a lightweight film that enhances wear. |
| How is it incorporated?Add directly to the water phase at room temperature. Completely water soluble. Can be combined with carbomer for smooth gels. Compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants. |
| Is Polyquaternium-11 water soluble?Yes — completely water soluble. Add directly to the water phase during formulation. Incorporates easily with mixing. Compatible with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants and carbomer gel systems. |
| Is Polyquaternium-11 a protein?No — it is a synthetic cationic conditioning polymer. Unlike hydrolyzed proteins, it conditions hair by forming a lightweight electrostatic film on the hair surface that improves combability, reduces frizz, and enhances shine and body. |
Note: Polyquaternium-11 is supplied at 19–21% active content — always account for this when calculating your effective polymer concentration in finished formulations. Add to the water phase at room temperature. In hair care, the cationic charge creates a substantive electrostatic bond with keratin that persists through rinsing, making it particularly effective in rinse-off conditioners and shampoos. In styling products it provides light hold without stiffness or tackiness. Compatible with carbomer — can be blended directly into carbomer gel systems to produce smooth, easily applied styling gels.
