PRODUCT DATA

Ashland Specialty Ingredients

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NUMBER 4145-3 (Supersedes 4145-2)

N-Hance 3196 Cationic Guar

Substantive Polymer for Hair and Skin Care
N-Hance 3196 cationic guar is a quaternary polymer that provides the dual benefits of conditioning and viscosity
build. This medium-cationic-substitution, high-molecular-weight polymer is substantive to anionic surfaces such as
skin and hair.

Typical Properties
Nitrogen, %.................................................................................................................................... 1.4
Charge Density, meq/g................................................................................................................ 0.74
Viscosity, 1%, 1 hr, cps, min(a) ................................................................................................ 4,000
pH, 1%, as is ....................................................................................................................... 9.5-11.0
Moisture, %, max .......................................................................................................................... 10
Aerobic plate count, cfu/g, max ............................................................................................... 1,000
Yeast, cfu/g, max ........................................................................................................................ 100
Mold, cfu/g, max ......................................................................................................................... 100
E. coli .................................................................................................................................. negative
Salmonella .......................................................................................................................... negative
_____
(a)Brookfield RVT, 20 rpm.

Recommended Applications
N-Hance 3196 is suggested for use in hair- and skin-care formulations to provide a mid-level of conditioning, with high
viscosity build.
Shampoos: N-Hance 3196, though cationic, is compatible with most anionic surfactants used in hair care. N-Hance
3196 can be used as a conditioning agent, which is also the primary viscosifier of a shampoo. A use level of 1.0-1.5%
is recommended, based on the weight of the final formulation. Alternatively, N-Hance 3196 can be used as a
conditioning agent only. In this application, a use level of 0.10-0.50% is recommended.
Liquid Soaps: When N-Hance 3196 is added to liquid soaps at a level of 0.50% or less, it can impart a soft and
luxurious afterfeel to the skin.

Lotions: N-Hance 3196 cationic guar can be incorporated into the water phase of hand, body, and facial emulsions.
Because N-Hance 3196 is substantive, a protective polymer film will remain on the skin. Use levels of 0.50% or less
are recommended.

Shaving Creams: Inclusion of N-Hance 3196 in an aerosol shaving cream results in a foam with better stability,
lather, skin lubrication, skin softening properties, and after-feel. A starting point of 0.25% is recommended.

All statements, information, and data presented herein are believed to be accurate and reliable, but are not to be taken as a guarantee, an express warranty, or an implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or
representation, express or implied, for which Ashland assumes legal responsibility. Registered trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries. Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various
countries. *Trademark owned by a third party. 2012, Ashland.
Rev. 3-11

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Solution Preparation
To prepare solutions, add N-Hance 3196 to the vortex of well-agitated water and continue stirring for 5 minutes.
N-Hance 3196 is crosslinked with boron to ensure good dispersibility in water. Once the polymer is well dispersed,
adjust the pH to 7.0 or less with about 25% acetic acid or other organic acid, e.g., citric, fumaric, to remove the borate
treatment and speed up hydration of N-Hance 3196. Continue stirring for 15 minutes for full viscosity development.
Check the pH and adjust to below 7.0 if necessary. When using N-Hance 3196 solutions in high-pH formulations, add
0.35% sorbitol (100% active) based on total weight of the solution. The addition of sorbitol prevents the borate ion
from complexing with the cationic guar. Continue mixing for 15 minutes. Addition of sorbitol is not necessary in lower
pH (<7.0) formulations.

Viscosity Development
Like all water-soluble polymers, the viscosity of N-Hance cationic guar depends on the concentration used. Figure 1
illustrates the relationship between viscosity and concentration for a typical sample of N-Hance. Remember that the
solutions must be adjusted to a neutral or slightly acidic pH before viscosity development occurs.

Figure 1
Viscosity vs Concentration
N-Hance 3196

Product Safety
Cationic guar has a history of safe use as a substantive viscosity control agent. The polymer is listed in the
CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary. Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using
this product.
CTFA Name: Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride