Ashland unveils new conditioning polymer technology for improved hair care

Global specialty chemicals firm Ashland has unveiled a new conditioning polymer to offer improved distribution of oil across hair, oil deposition, combing performance and hair softness.

Claimed by the company to be a high charge density, high molecular weight system, N-Hance 4572 conditioning polymer is designed to improve the spread and deposition of silicone and natural oils such as jojoba oil and meadowfoam on hair, from root to tip.

Ashland Specialty Ingredients’ Care Specialties global marketing manager Dave Popplewell said the new technology helps formulators of rinse-off products to lower the active levels of synthetic and natural oils while maintaining key performance attributes.

"With rising raw material prices, makers of rinse-off products are asking for technologies that improve the deposition efficiency of base oils widely used in products such as 2-in-1 shampoos and body washes," Popplewell said.

According to the company, the use of N-Hance 4572 conditioning polymer and conditioning oils such as amodimethicone, makes it possible to reduce the levels of base oil by 25 to 40% and ensure comparable oil deposition across hair strands.

The new polymer marks the first in Ashland’s new series of conditioning technologies aimed at supporting the personal care industry in producing more sustainable shampoo and body wash products with lower formulation costs.

"N-Hance 4572 conditioning polymer and other products expected in the series are exactly the types of innovations our customers require to accommodate today’s consumer wants and needs," Popplewell added.

Ashland Specialty Ingredients offers technologies and resources for addressing formulation and product performance challenges in key industrial applications such as personal care, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, coatings and energy.