Polyquaternium-11

Polyquaternium-11 (CAS 53633-54-8) is a cationic, water-soluble copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and a quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. Formulators reach for it when a single polymer has to do two jobs at once: lay down a clear, flexible film for hold and, because it carries a permanent positive charge, deposit and condition on hair. The quaternary nitrogen is what makes the molecule substantive to negatively charged keratin, so the film stays put through humidity and combing rather than washing or flaking away. That combination of humidity-resistant hold, conditioning feel, and film clarity is why Polyquaternium-11 remains a workhorse fixative and conditioning polymer across hair-styling and rinse-off personal-care lines.

Applications by sector

Hair styling: gels, mousses, hairsprays, setting lotions

This is the polymer’s core territory. In styling gels, mousses, hairsprays, and setting lotions, Polyquaternium-11 forms a continuous film on the fiber that delivers flexible-to-firm hold depending on use level and pairing with other resins. Because the film is clear and non-tacky, it adds gloss without the dull, crusty cast that some fixatives leave, and the cationic backbone gives meaningful anti-static control so styled hair stays manageable. Its film also tolerates ambient humidity better than many non-ionic film formers, which is the practical reason styling chemists keep it in rotation for hold that survives a humid day.

Conditioners and leave-ins

The same cationic charge that anchors the styling film makes Polyquaternium-11 substantive in rinse-off conditioners and leave-in treatments. It deposits preferentially on damaged, more negatively charged regions of the hair, where it improves wet and dry detangling, smooths the cuticle for better slip, and leaves a conditioned feel without heavy build-up. Formulators often use it to add styling memory to a conditioner or to carry a light fixative benefit into a leave-in, bridging the gap between conditioning and hold.

Skin care and other personal-care uses

Outside hair care, Polyquaternium-11 is used as a film former in skin-care and other topical personal-care formats where a flexible, water-resistant film is useful for substantivity or sensory effect. Its broad compatibility with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants and with common cosmetic solvents makes it straightforward to slot into existing systems, and the cationic film performs across a wide formulation pH range. Why a cationic copolymer rather than a neutral resin? The permanent charge is what drives deposition onto negatively charged substrates, produces clear films instead of hazy ones, and keeps the polymer broadly compatible across solvent and surfactant systems.

Forms and grade

Polyquaternium-11 is typically supplied as an aqueous solution at a stated percentage of active polymer, often pre-preserved, as a colorless to pale-yellow viscous liquid. Active content, viscosity, and preservative system vary by grade and supplier, so the exact percentage and specification should be confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis for the lot you receive. We can source cosmetic-grade material and match the active level, packaging, and preservation your formulation and quality system require.

Handling

Handle Polyquaternium-11 as a standard aqueous cosmetic raw material: store in closed, compatible containers away from extreme heat and freezing, and follow good manufacturing and personal-protective practice. The Safety Data Sheet for the specific grade governs all handling, storage, and disposal requirements; request the current SDS and CoA before formulating or shipping.

Source Polyquaternium-11 in bulk

RawSource sources Polyquaternium-11 in bulk for personal-care manufacturers and contract formulators. Send us your target active percentage, annual volume, and packaging preference (pails, drums, totes, or IBCs) and we will return a bulk quote with current SDS and CoA documentation. Request a quote to get pricing and lead time on Polyquaternium-11.