Silsoft™ is an active microemulsion of a patented quaternized silicone terpolymer designed to deliver conditioning benefits in hair and personal care formulations. Its key functional component, Silicone Quaternium-18, is a cationic silicone with affinity for negatively charged keratinaceous surfaces such as hair and skin. This substantivity helps the polymer deposit onto the hair fiber to form a soft, flexible film that improves lubricity, enhances smoothness, and delivers a distinctive dry, soft feel without heavy buildup. The silicone portion aligns along the hair shaft to promote a smoother surface and healthier-looking shine, while the quaternary functionality contributes antistatic and surface-affinity benefits.

The system is supplied as a low-viscosity microemulsion containing nonionic emulsifiers, including Trideceth-6 and Trideceth-12, which support dispersion and ease of incorporation into aqueous formulations. Its compatibility with water allows it to spread effectively during rinse-off application, contributing to excellent wet combing performance and a differentiated sensory profile. According to the supplier data, Silsoft™ significantly reduces wet combing force and also improves dry combing feel, softness, gloss, alignment, and slickness when used in conditioning shampoos and conditioners. It is especially suitable for products targeting dry, damaged, chemically processed, or hard-to-condition hair.

In hair care applications, Silsoft™ can be used in shampoos, rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, developer solutions for hair dyeing, pre-treatments to hair coloring, and ethnic hair care products. The ingredient is noted for providing differentiated softness, superior wet-combing conditioning, increased volume, and a unique dry sensory profile. It is also easy to formulate, can be incorporated at low shear and low temperature, and is capable of being used in clear product formats. An additional advantage highlighted in the bulletin is its non-yellowing character over time.

In skin and body cleansing applications, Silsoft™ can modify lather properties and improve the after-wash sensory experience. In shower gels, body washes, shower conditioners, and soap bars, it has been shown to increase lather creaminess, enhance rinse properties, and leave skin with a soft dry feel after use. Its cationic functionality supports interaction with skin surfaces, making it a useful conditioning additive in rinse-off personal care products where a more luxurious after-feel is desired.