Humectant

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Cationic hyaluronic acid is a unique form of HA with a positive charge. Due to electrostatic attraction to the negatively charged surface of the skin and hair, it remains on the surface longer and more effectively. Ideal for hair and sensitive skin.

Cationic HAHairMoisturizingHyal-Plus

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

3/5

What is it?

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate is obtained by the reaction of hyaluronic acid with glycidyltrimethylammonium — the attachment of cationic groups to the HA chain. INCI: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate. Trade name: Hyal-Plus® (TRI-K Industries) and others. The cationic nature fundamentally distinguishes it from regular HA (anionic): it is attracted to the negatively charged surface of hair (proteoglycans, keratin) and skin → increased adhesion and duration of action.

Hair products (shampoos, conditioners, masks), as well as products for sensitive skin, where increased fixation of HA on the surface is needed.

Key Benefits

✦

Unique adhesion to hair and skin through electrostatics

Hair and skin have a negative surface charge. Cationic HPTH is electrostatically attracted and fixed on the surface much more effectively than regular anionic HA. For hair, this means: HA remains on the surface of the cuticle after shampooing, continuing to moisturize dry damaged hair between washes.

◈

Moisturizing and restoring damaged hair

Colored, bleached, and heat-damaged hair loses its cuticular layer — becoming hydrophobic and brittle. HPTH restores the hydrophilicity of the surface, moisturizes the cortex, and reduces brittleness. Clinical data: after 4 weeks of shampoo with HPTH — a 30% reduction in hair breakage, increased shine and smoothness of the cuticle.

✧

Gentle moisturizing of sensitive skin without irritation

On the skin, HPTH forms a thin moisturizing layer on the surface of the stratum corneum. The cationic nature reduces irritation from anionic surfactants in wash-off products (compensatory effect). Recommended for skin prone to dryness after washing.

Suitable for

Damaged hairDry hairSensitive skinDry skin

Main Actions

✓ Hair moisturizing (cationic adhesion)✓ Cuticle restoration✓ Skin moisturizing

Why is cationic HA needed in shampoos?

Regular HA (anionic) in shampoo is almost completely washed away with the foam — it does not remain on the hair. Cationic HPTH is attracted to negatively charged hair and remains even after thorough rinsing. That is why quality moisturizing shampoos specify Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, not just Sodium Hyaluronate.

CategoryHumectants

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