PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Stearyldimonium Chloride

INCI: PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Stearyldimonium Chloride | Function: Cationic Polymer, Conditioning Agent, Thickener | Type: Synthetic cationic cellulose polymer (quaternized PG-hydroxyethylcellulose, C18 chain)

What Is PG-Hydroxyethylcellulose Stearyldimonium Chloride?

Quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose with stearyl (C18) dimonium groups. The long C18 chain provides stronger substantivity to hair and additional thickening properties. Used in premium hair conditioners and treatment masks for long-lasting conditioning. The stearyl group also contributes to viscosity building in emulsion systems.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Long-lasting conditioning — C18 chain provides strong hair substantivity
+ Viscosity building — thickens conditioner formulations
+ Excellent wet and dry combability improvement
+ Antistatic — long-chain quat provides lasting static control

Pros

+ Stronger conditioning than shorter-chain variants
+ Dual function — conditions AND thickens
+ Good for rich, creamy conditioner textures
+ Cellulose backbone from renewable sources

Cons

− Can feel heavy/waxy at high concentrations
− May build up faster than shorter-chain variants
− Cationic — incompatible with anionic systems
− Higher cost than standard cationic polymers

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Semi-synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — listed in IECIC

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Deep conditioner / mask	0.2–2%
Leave-in cream	0.1–1%

References

CIR Safety Assessment. https://www.cir-safety.org/
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
SpecialChem Cosmetic Ingredients. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/

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