AccessQUAT 200L

Cationic Conditioning & Styling Polymer for Detangling and Curl Retention

INCI Name: Polyquaternium-4

AccessQUAT 200L (Polyquaternium-4) is a versatile cationic polymer that conditions, detangles, and enhances style retention. Substantive to hair and skin, it forms a smooth, flexible film that improves wet combability, controls frizz, and supports curl memory without heaviness. Ideal for 2-in-1 shampoos, rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, and styling formats such as gels, mousses, and glazes.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Styling Gels, Mousses & Glazes

Provides flexible hold, curl definition, and humidity resistance with a non-tacky film for long-lasting styles.
Leave-In & Rinse-Off Conditioners

Improves wet and dry combability, reduces static, and leaves hair soft and manageable without build-up.
2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoos

Enhances foam quality and deposits light conditioning, enabling cleansing and care in a single step.
Detangling Sprays

Creates lightweight, effective detanglers that smooth the cuticle for effortless combing.
Cold Wave Lotions

Supports hair integrity and manageability during chemical treatments, aiding post-process feel and control.
Color Bleaching Creams

Forms a protective, conditioning film to help maintain combability and reduce roughness after bleaching.

How to Use AccessQUAT 200L in Your Formulations

Understanding AccessQUAT 200L

AccessQUAT 200L is a cationic conditioning polymer designed to improve the performance and feel of hair care products. In simple terms, it carries a positive charge that is naturally attracted to the negatively charged surface of hair (especially damaged hair). This attraction helps it deposit a thin, even, and flexible film that smooths the cuticle, detangles, reduces frizz, and enhances style retention.

For the formulator, AccessQUAT 200L (INCI: Polyquaternium-4) offers a balance of conditioning and film-forming properties ideal for both rinse-off and leave-in systems. It is substantive to hair and skin, improves wet and dry combability, and provides curl memory/retention in styling formats like gels, mousses, and glazes. It is suitable for 2-in-1 shampoos, conditioners, and specialty treatments where durable yet soft conditioning is desired.

Formulation Tips

AccessQUAT 200L is water-soluble and easy to incorporate. Add it to the water phase with gentle mixing; it can be processed cold and does not require heating. Typical use levels are 0.2%–3%, depending on product type and desired performance:

Rinse-Off Conditioners & Shampoos: 0.2%–1% to improve slip, foam quality, and wet combability.
Leave-In Conditioners & Detanglers: 1%–2% for lightweight, long-lasting conditioning without build-up.
Styling Gels, Mousses & Glazes: 2%–3% to boost curl definition, hold, and humidity resistance while maintaining a flexible feel.

Compatibility: Works well in water-based systems and is generally compatible with amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants. It can also be used alongside many anionic surfactants for conditioning shampoos. Always confirm compatibility and stability with your specific surfactant blend and actives. Performs well across common hair care pH ranges.

Key Formulation Benefits

Improved Combability: Excellent wet and dry detangling for reduced breakage during styling.
Curl Retention & Flexible Hold: Film-forming action supports lasting styles without stiffness.
Anti-Static & Frizz Control: Smooths the cuticle and helps control flyaways for a polished finish.
Versatile in Many Formats: Effective in 2-in-1 shampoos, rinse-off/leave-in conditioners, styling gels, mousses, and glazes.
Cold-Process Friendly: Easy to add to water phase; simplifies scale-up and saves energy.

Heading #1
Benefits	Cold-Process Compatible, Detangling, Formulation Versatility, Frizz Control, Hair Care Benefits, Hold & Style Retention, Multi-Functional, Processing Benefits, Texture & Sensory
INCI Name	Polyquaternium-4
Usage Rate	0.2%-3%
Functional Type	Cationic Conditioning Agents, Conditioning Agents, Film Formers & Fixatives, Hair Fixative Polymers, Specialized Functional Ingredients
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase, Water Phase
Application Area	Body, Hair, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Cleansers, Conditioners, Hair Styling, Masks & Treatments, Shampoos
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan
Physical Form	Liquid

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessQUAT 200L

It acts as a conditioning and film-forming polymer. It deposits on hair to smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz, improve wet/dry combability, and provide flexible hold for better curl and style retention.

Use 0.2%–3% depending on the product. Try 0.2%–1% for shampoos and rinse-off conditioners, 1%–2% for leave-ins, and 2%–3% for styling gels and mousses.

Add AccessQUAT 200L to the water phase. It is cold-process compatible and can also be added during cool-down with gentle mixing.

Yes. It generally works well with amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants and can be used with many anionics to create conditioning shampoos. Always verify compatibility in your specific system.

It is designed to deliver conditioning and hold with a light, clean after-feel. As with any film-former, use level and wash routine influence build-up; adjust usage as needed for your target hair type.

Polyquaternium-4 is well known for pairing effective conditioning with flexible film formation, making it particularly suitable for styling formats that require curl retention and light hold, as well as 2-in-1 systems.

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