Silsoft™ Q PMF is a cationic silicone conditioning system optimized for deposition on keratin. The quaternary ammonium–functional silicone (Silicone Quaternium-18) bears a permanent positive charge that is electrostatically attracted to the negatively charged sites on damaged hair cuticles and, to a lesser extent, on the stratum corneum. During rinse-off, the system undergoes dilution-induced phase separation that drives deposition of the conditioning film from the aqueous phase onto hair fibers. The deposited silicone network reduces inter-fiber friction, lowers wet/dry combing forces, enhances gloss, provides humidity-resistant frizz control, and improves manageability. The Trideceth co-surfactants act as ethoxylated tridecyl alcohol solubilizers/dispersants that enable stable delivery of the cationic silicone in water-based formats and help control droplet size for efficient, even laydown.

In skincare, this complex can provide elegant slip, quick spread, and a soft, conditioned after-feel in creams, body lotions, shave care, and depilatories, while the cationic functionality promotes persistence on skin after rinsing. For haircare, the trio is well suited to shampoos (2-in-1), rinse-off/leave-in conditioners, masks, blow-dry primers, and anti-frizz stylers. Formulators can leverage the cationic silicone’s affinity to damaged, color-treated, or chemically processed hair to boost breakage resistance and combability, while the Trideceth surfactants simplify processing (cold-blendable in many systems), broaden compatibility across pH 4–7, and help maintain clarity in certain aqueous products. Pairing with film-forming quats, amino acids, lightweight esters, or heat-protective polymers can further amplify smoothing and humidity defense.