Amerchol Corporation, A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, has announced a new family of high viscosity quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) conditioning polymers for personal care product applications. These cationic polymers feature the addition of a small amount of hydrophobic substitution. According to the company, SoftCAT™ SL polymers benefit from hydrophobic character to deliver superior conditioning performance in comparative evaluations with PQ-10 and cationic guar in shampoos. Objective quantitative lab methods and subjective panel evaluations indicate improved wet and dry combability, enhanced wet and dry feel, and increased silicone deposition in two-in-one formulations. The polymers have also shown no build-up or volume-down effects on hair as they’ve improved conditioning performance with various surfactant systems. Additionally, crystal clear formulations can be achieved when using these polymers.

The new polymers will be marketed under the trademark, SoftCAT™ SL Conditioning Polymers and are offered in four grades with varying degrees of hyrdrophobic substitution and slightly different viscosities.

According to Denise Elias, Global Marketing Manager, “SoftCAT SL polymers were developed in recognition of the need for greater conditioning performance caused by ever-increasing use of colors and bleach, as well as effects from sun and industrial environments. Our trials indicate that SoftCAT SL polymers demonstrate superior performance in all major categories of conditioning without unwanted build-up or volume-down effects. We’re excited to be bringing these new options to our customers as they work to develop products that meet the challenges of bleached and/or damaged hair. We also envision SoftCAT polymers will provide increased functionality in other personal care products involving conditioning polymers.”

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For more information on SoftCAT SL Conditioning Polymers please see our product Literature section and our Formulations Library.

About Amerchol
Amerchol Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of performance chemicals for use in personal care applications, primarily conditioners, moisturizers and emollients. These products are sold to end-use producers as ingredients in consumer skin care and hair care products. Amerchol is known for its dedicated service to the industry and its functional product line. The company’s line consists of a broad range of products, several of which are produced in two manufacturing facilities—Greensburg, LA and Xialon, China. Amerchol also markets and sells many other specialty products for Dow in the personal care industry. For further information, visit www.amerchol.com.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE:Dow) is a leading science and technology company that provides innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $33 billion, Dow serves customers in more than 180 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of Sustainable Development, Dow and its approximately 45,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.