I. Basic Information
Chemical Name: Polyacrylamide (PAM), CAS 9003-05-8
Common Grade: Anionic type (first choice for daily cosmetics); high molecular weight (6–12 million)
Appearance: White / translucent fine granules or powder, freely soluble in water
II. Key Technical Specifications (Cosmetic Grade)
Appearance: Translucent granules / powder
Solid Content: ≥ 98–99%
Molecular Weight: Over 6 million (commonly 8–10 million)
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution): 5.0–8.0 (neutrally stable)
Dosage: 0.1–0.2% (w/w); add after dissolving in cold water
III. Core Functions in Shampoo
1. Excellent Stringing Property (Core Function)
It is the key raw material that gives shampoo obvious long stringing when squeezed out.
Long molecular chains form a network structure, endowing the paste with ductility and stringing texture
Upgrade premium product texture with soft, smooth tactile feel
2. Thickening & Viscosity Increasing
A small addition of only 0.1–0.2% can significantly increase shampoo viscosity.
It thickens the formula without excessive salt addition, preventing viscosity loss and fluid sagging.
3. Hair Softening, Moisturizing & Frizz Reduction
PAM adsorbs onto the hair cuticle to form a breathable protective film:
Smooths hair scales and reduces dryness and split ends
Leaves hair smooth and easy to comb after washing, eliminating dryness and flyaways
4. Anti-static Effect
Reduces static flyaway during combing and blow-drying; performs remarkably well for dry hair and in dry autumn and winter seasons.
5. Foam Stabilization & Foam Retention
When compounded with AES and surfactants:
Produces denser, finer foam
Resists foam collapse and prolongs fragrance retention
Stabilizes foam even in hard water conditions
6. Formula Stabilization, Suspension & Solubilization
Prevents shampoo delamination, precipitation and oil-water separation
Assists in suspending silicone oil, plant extracts, pearlescent agents and other ingredients
Compatible with clear shampoo, pearlescent shampoo, ginger shampoo and other formulations
7. Lubricating Skin Feel
Provides a smooth, lubricated hand feel during shampooing, without dry or harsh texture, greatly improving user experience.
IV. Application Guidelines & Safety
1. Usage Method
Prepare 0.5–1% stock solution first: sprinkle slowly into cold water and stir until fully dissolved to avoid caking.
Add into the main formula when temperature drops below 40℃; maintain pH at 6–7.
Avoid strong alkaline conditions (pH ＞ 10 may cause molecular degradation).
2. Safety & Compliance
Cosmetic-grade polyacrylamide has ultra-low residual acrylamide (＜ 0.1 ppm).
Safe for compliant use with low skin irritation.
Avoid direct blending with cationic surfactants, as it easily causes precipitation and efficacy failure.
V. Common Substitutes & Compounding Formulas
Single PAM: Strong stringing performance, low cost, average salt tolerance.
PAM + Xanthan Gum / Guar Gum: Improves salt tolerance and formula stability with more natural stringing effect. Synthetic thickeners (e.g. AES / ammonium salts): Low cost, weak stringing effect, relatively sticky tactile feel.