Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate (Cationic HA) Powder — Cosmetic Grade Supplier
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate (INCI: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, CAS 1714127-68-0) — the positively charged HA. Quaternized with 2-hydroxy-3-(N,N,N-trimethylammonio)propyl groups (degree of cationization 0.15-0.60) for strong electrostatic adhesion to negatively charged hair and skin surfaces. Unlike standard anionic HA which is electrostatically repelled and washes away, cationic HA’s opposite positive charge creates tight ionic bonding — delivering rinse-resistant 12h moisturization, superior hair cuticle repair, anti-frizz conditioning, and surfactant irritation reduction. The definitive HA for shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and any wash-off format where standard HA simply goes down the drain. COSMOS-certified, ISO 9001:2015, c-GMP, HALAL, KOSHER. Cosmetic-grade cationic HA manufacturer and bulk supplier — UPOR Biotech.
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Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate (INCI: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, commonly Cationic HA or Quaternized HA, CAS 1714127-68-0) is a quaternized, positively charged derivative of hyaluronic acid produced by grafting 2-hydroxy-3-(N,N,N-trimethylammonio)propyl chloride groups onto the HA polysaccharide backbone — primarily at the C6 primary hydroxyl of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues — via etherification under alkaline conditions. This chemical modification fundamentally reverses the electrical character of the molecule: standard sodium hyaluronate is anionic (negatively charged, zeta potential ~-20 to -30 mV at pH 7) due to its D-glucuronic acid carboxylate (-COO⁻) groups. Cationic HA carries a net positive charge (zeta potential ~+15 to +30 mV at pH 7, depending on degree of cationization 0.15-0.60) from the permanently charged quaternary ammonium (-N⁺(CH₃)₃) groups. This charge reversal is transformative for cosmetic performance. Human skin (isoelectric point ~pH 4-5, net negative at physiological pH 5.5) and hair (keratin isoelectric point ~pH 4.5-5.5, net negative at typical formulation pH 5-6) surfaces are naturally negatively charged. Standard HA, sharing that same negative charge, experiences electrostatic repulsion — it sits loosely as a hydrated film and largely rinses away upon water contact (substantivity <10% after single rinse). Cationic HA, bearing the opposite positive charge, undergoes strong electrostatic attraction — it binds tightly to negatively charged carboxylate and sulfonate groups on hair keratin and skin surface proteins, forming a durable conditioning film with substantivity >80% after single rinse. This is the single most important distinction for any formulation where water contact occurs — cationic HA is the only HA that makes sense in rinse-off formats.
As a specialized cosmetic-grade cationic HA manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides this quaternized HA derivative for B2B hair care and skin care brands, contract manufacturers, and professional salon product lines worldwide. OEM formulations available. Free sample for qualified B2B buyers.
Cationic HA vs Standard Sodium Hyaluronate — The Charge Difference
Standard sodium hyaluronate is negatively charged (anionic, zeta ~-25 mV) — just like skin and hair surfaces at formulation pH. Same charges repel: standard HA sits loosely on the surface as a hydrated film and washes away almost completely upon rinsing (substantivity <10%). Cationic HA is positively charged (cationic, zeta ~+20 mV) from quaternized -N⁺(CH₃)₃ groups — opposite charges attract: it electrostatically binds to negatively charged keratin carboxylate/sulfonate groups and skin surface proteins, staying put even after repeated washing (substantivity >80%). This is the difference between applying HA that rinses down the drain vs HA that keeps conditioning for 12+ hours. For shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers, body washes, and any rinse-off format — cationic HA is the only HA that delivers residual benefit. Standard HA in these products provides zero post-rinse moisturization.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate Powder — Cosmetic Grade (Cationic HA) |
| INCI Name | Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate |
| Common Name | Cationic Hyaluronic Acid / Cationic HA / Quaternized HA |
| CAS Number | 1714127-68-0 |
| Chemical Description | HA 2-hydroxy-3-(N,N,N-trimethylammonio)propyl chloride derivatives — quaternized, positively charged. Grafted -N⁺(CH₃)₃ groups at C6 of GlcNAc via ether linkage. |
| Key Advantage | Positively charged HA — electrostatic adhesion to negative hair/skin. Rinse-resistant substantivity >80% vs <10% for standard anionic HA. 12h moisturization, cuticle repair, surfactant irritation reduction. |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder or granules; hygroscopic |
| Assay (Cationic HA, Dry Basis) | ≥90.0% |
| Degree of Cationization — Critical Quality Attribute | 0.15 – 0.60 (moles quaternary ammonium per mole HA disaccharide; verified by colloid titration or elemental nitrogen analysis) |
| Glucuronic Acid Content | 37.0 – 48.0% (dry basis; carbazole method) |
| Molecular Weight | >1,000 kDa (high MW — superior film-forming and substantivity) |
| Kinematic Viscosity (0.5% w/v) | 2.0 – 10.0 mm²/s |
| pH (0.5% w/v Solution, 25°C) | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Solution Clarity (T550nm, 0.5%) | ≥99.0% |
| Absorbance (A280nm) | ≤0.25 |
| Zeta Potential (0.1% w/v, pH 7) | +15 to +30 mV (positive — confirms quaternization and cationic character) |
| Identification — IR | Characteristic quaternary ammonium C-N stretch at ~1,480 cm⁻¹; HA backbone polysaccharide bands preserved |
| Protein Content | ≤0.1% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤10.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤20 ppm (as Pb) |
| Microbial Limits | TAMC ≤100 CFU/g; TYMC ≤50 CFU/g (USP <61>); P. aeruginosa, S. aureus — Negative (USP <62>) |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water at room temperature; practically insoluble in acetone and anhydrous ethanol |
| Formulation Compatibility | Compatible with nonionic and amphoteric surfactants; with anionic surfactants — controlled coacervation provides targeted deposition; test with anionic polymers (carbomer, xanthan) |
| Recommended Usage — Hair Care | Shampoos 0.03-0.5%; Conditioners/masks 0.05-1.0%; Leave-in serums 0.1-0.5% |
| Recommended Usage — Skin Care | Cleansers 0.05-0.5%; Toners/serums 0.1-1.0%; Creams/lotions 0.1-0.5%; Sun care 0.1-0.3% |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, c-GMP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS Natural Certified, USP/EP compliant |
| Packaging | 100 g / 1 kg / 5 kg / 25 kg sealed containers with desiccant |
| Storage | 2-8°C; tightly sealed; protect from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 3 years under recommended storage |
Key Benefits — Cationic HA
Electrostatic Adhesion — Rinse-Proof Substantivity >80%
The cationic -N⁺(CH₃)₃ groups bind electrostatically to negatively charged hair keratin (-COO⁻, -SO₃⁻) and skin surface proteins. Where standard anionic HA is repelled and washes away (substantivity <10%), cationic HA stays firmly attached through multiple rinse cycles — the defining advantage for any rinse-off product.
Rinse-Proof12h Long-Lasting Moisturization — Sustained TEWL Reduction
Forms a durable, breathable hydrating film via ionic bonding that continuously delivers moisture for up to 12 hours. The electrostatic bond ensures HA remains in place providing sustained water-binding and barrier protection far beyond transient standard HA films.
12h HydrationSuperior Hair Conditioning and Cuticle Repair
Smooths lifted cuticle scales on damaged hair, fills surface irregularities, and dramatically improves wet and dry combability. Eliminates static flyaway, reduces frizz, and imparts silky smooth hand-feel without greasy buildup — repairs damage at the molecular level.
Hair RepairSurfactant Irritation Reduction — Complexation Mechanism
Complexes with anionic surfactant monomers (SLS, SLES, ALS), reducing their free concentration in solution and mitigating harshness on scalp and skin. A dual-function active that conditions while it protects — making shampoos and cleansers milder without compromising foam.
Anti-IrritationApplications
Shampoos and 2-in-1 Systems — The Definitive HA for Rinse-Off
The only HA that makes sense in shampoo — cationic HA deposits and stays on hair through rinsing at 0.03-0.5%. Anti-frizz, improved wet-combing, surfactant harshness reduction. Standard HA provides zero residual benefit in this format.
Conditioners and Hair Masks — Targeted Damage Repair
Core conditioning active at 0.05-1.0%. Electrostatic adhesion to damaged cuticle sites (more negative charge exposure) provides targeted repair where needed most. Rinse-off and deep-treatment formats.
Leave-In Hair Serums and Scalp Treatments — 12h Sustained Care
Sustained 12h moisturization and anti-frizz at 0.1-0.5%. Soothes dry, itchy scalp via electrostatic HA film. Serums, sprays, and scalp ampoules — all-day conditioning without reapplication.
Facial Cleansers and Body Washes — Post-Rinse Moisturization
Transforms rinse-off skincare — cationic HA at 0.05-0.5% continues moisturizing after the cleanser is washed away, reducing post-cleanse tightness and dryness. Delivers on “moisturizing cleanser” claims that standard HA cannot substantiate.
Toners, Serums, and Essences — Long-Lasting Leave-On Hydration
Leave-on skincare at 0.1-1.0% for film-forming hydration and enhanced barrier protection. Cationic charge improves spreadability and sensorial elegance. Premium moisturization claim support with substantivity data.
Sun Care and Anti-Pollution — Protective Cationic Film
Forms a durable protective film at 0.1-0.3% that helps shield hair and skin from environmental aggressors (UV, particulate pollutants). The ionic-bonded cationic film provides all-day protection that standard HA films cannot match.
Molecular Weight Comparison — HA Grades
| Grade | MW / Structure | Primary Function | Adhesion / Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| High MW | 1,500-2,000 kDa | Film-forming, surface hydration | Surface only (washes off) |
| Cationic HA (this product) | >1,000 kDa + cationic -N⁺(CH₃)₃ | Electrostatic adhesion, rinse-resistant 12h moisturization, hair cuticle repair, anti-frizz, surfactant irritation reduction | Surface-adherent film (ionic bonding, >80% substantivity) |
| Acetylated HA (AcHA) | ~20-100 kDa + acetyl 23-29% | Amphiphilic, 2× moisture retention, lipid-anchored adhesion, barrier repair | SC lipid-anchored + intra-corneal |
| Crosspolymer HA | Cross-linked 3D network | Long-lasting hydration, anti-pollution, 5× moisture | Surface film + sustained release |
| Zinc Hyaluronate | 10-50 kDa + Zn 5-8% | Anti-acne, sebum regulation, wound healing | Epidermis-Dermis |
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate (cationic HA) is a positively charged HA derivative with grafted quaternary ammonium (-N⁺(CH₃)₃) groups (cationization 0.15-0.60). The key difference is electrical charge: standard HA is anionic (negative, zeta ~-25 mV) — same charge as skin/hair surfaces, causing electrostatic repulsion and wash-off (substantivity <10%). Cationic HA is cationic (positive, zeta ~+20 mV) — opposite charge to skin/hair, creating strong electrostatic attraction and durable ionic bonding (substantivity >80%). This charge reversal transforms HA from a wash-away humectant into a rinse-resistant conditioning active — the single most important distinction for any formulation where water contact occurs.
(1) Cuticle repair — cationic HA fills gaps and smooths lifted cuticle scales on damaged hair, reducing frizz and split ends. (2) Long-lasting conditioning — the ionic bond to hair keratin persists through multiple rinse cycles (substantivity >80%), unlike conventional silicones or conditioners. (3) Improved manageability — dramatically enhances wet and dry combability, reduces static flyaway, silky feel without buildup. (4) Scalp health — moisturizes and soothes the scalp via sustained HA film. (5) Anti-irritation — complexes with anionic surfactant monomers (SLS/SLES), reducing free concentration and making shampoos milder without compromising foam.
Hair care: shampoos 0.03-0.5%, conditioners/masks 0.05-1.0%, leave-in serums 0.1-0.5%. Skin care: cleansers 0.05-0.5%, toners/serums 0.1-1.0%, creams 0.1-0.5%, sun care 0.1-0.3%. Rule of thumb: higher end (0.5-1.0%) for rinse-off where wash-off resistance is critical; lower end (0.1-0.5%) for leave-on. Dissolves in water at room temperature — no heating required.
Yes, highly recommended. Cationic HA provides the ionic-bonded rinse-resistant layer. Combine with: standard HA for humectancy, AcHA for lipid adhesion, crosspolymer HA for film barrier, oligo HA for deep signaling — creating a complete multi-mechanism hydration architecture. Caution: test compatibility with anionic polymers (carbomer, xanthan gum) as opposite charges may form coacervates. With anionic surfactants, controlled coacervation can enhance deposition.
ISO 9001:2015, c-GMP, FDA-registered, HALAL, KOSHER, COSMOS Natural Certified. Meets USP and EP. Every shipment: COA (cationization 0.15-0.60, glucuronic acid 37.0-48.0%, zeta potential +15 to +30 mV), MSDS, TSE/BSE statement, IR quaternization verification (-N⁺(CH₃)₃ C-N ~1,480 cm⁻¹), stability data, complete lot traceability.