New high-charge density hydrophobically modified cationic HEC polymers for improved co-deposition of benefit agents and serious conditioning for problem hair.

A series of new high charge density Polyquaternium-67(1) (PQ-67) polymers have been prepared and evaluated in shampoo formulations. These new compositions represent an addition to the family of high-viscosity quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) polymers with cationic substitution of trimethyl ammonium and dimethyldodecyl ammonium(2) (Figure 1A) described in (1) and (2). The evaluation protocol included objective lab methods and subjective panel studies on different hair types. Commercial conditioning polymers: PQ-67 (Polymers SoftCAT(3)) and cationic guar(4) (Jaguar C-13S(R)(5)) were used as performance benchmarks. It was found that increasing the cationic charge density of the PQ-67 polymers above 1.45 meq/g (equivalent of 2 weight-percent (wt.%) nitrogen) resulted in a several-fold boost of their co-deposition ability. These experimental, high charge density PQ-67 polymers were shown to deliver silicones and other performance ingredients from shampoo formulations more efficiently than any other polymer currently available on the market for rinse-off hair cleansing/conditioning applications. The polymers also provided improved wet and/or dry conditioning, volume control, and could be instrumental in achieving sleek looking hair and improved control/manageability of unruly or frizzy hair. The high charge density PQ-67 polymers are also ideally suited for highly-fragranced surfactant-based formulas that are used in aromatherapy and spa products due to their superior ability to deliver fragrance.