Varisoft EQ 65: The High-Performance Natural Conditioner
Varisoft EQ 65 is a readily biodegradable, ester-quat conditioning agent that serves as a standout eco-friendly alternative to traditional cationic emulsifiers. Derived from stearic acid and combined with cetearyl alcohol, this COSMOS-certified pellet provides the rich, creamy consistency formulators love without the environmental impact of standard quats. It is designed to thicken formulations while delivering superior detangling, wet combing, and a distinctive "powdery-soft" after-feel on both hair and skin.
Key Features & Benefits
- Eco-Friendly Conditioning: A fully plant-based, biodegradable ester quat that improves the conditioning properties of both wet and dry hair.
- Superior Detangling: Provides excellent wet combing and detangling, comparable to synthetic alternatives, but with a lighter finish that doesn't weigh hair down.
- Powdery Skin Feel: In skincare, it acts as a cationic emulsifier that imparts a rich, non-greasy, and powdery-smooth sensory profile to creams and lotions.
- Water Resistance: Substantive to the skin, making it an excellent choice for water-resistant sun care and protective barrier creams.
- COSMOS Certified: Ideal for "green" and "clean beauty" formulations requiring strict sustainability certifications.
Ingredients & Technical Specifications
- Ingredients (Common Name): Varisoft EQ 65
- Ingredients (INCI Name): Distearoylethyl Dimonium Chloride (and) Cetearyl Alcohol
- CAS Numbers: 67846-68-8, 67762-27-0
- Active Matter: ~65% Active Conditioning Agent
- Appearance: White to off-white pellets/pastilles
- Solubility: Dispersible in water; Soluble in oil/ethanol
- Charge: Cationic (Positive)
- pH Stability: Hydrolyzes at pH > 5. Optimal formulation pH is 4.0 – 4.5
- Country of Origin: USA / Germany
- Suggested Uses: Hair Conditioners, Leave-in Treatments, Hair Masks, Body Lotions, Sun Care.
Recommended Usage
- How to Use: Add Varisoft EQ 65 to the oil phase or water phase. Heat to approximately 75°C - 80°C (167°F - 176°F) to ensure pellets are fully melted.
- Formulation Tip (pH Warning): This ingredient is sensitive to high pH. Always adjust the final pH of your product to below 5 (ideally 4.0 - 4.5) to prevent hydrolysis (breakdown) of the emulsifier.
- Formulation Tip (Processing): Adding a small amount of non-ionic emulsifier (like Ceteareth-20 or Ceteareth-25) can improve the processability and stability of the emulsion.
Varisoft EQ 65 vs. BTMS-50
While both are cationic conditioning agents, they serve different formulation philosophies:
- Varisoft EQ 65: The "Natural" Choice. It is biodegradable and COSMOS certified. It offers a lighter, fluffier feel and rinses out very cleanly. It is less "slippy" than BTMS but provides better volume and bounce.
- BTMS-50: The "Performance" Choice. It is synthetic and not considered "green." However, it is generally easier to use, tolerates a wider pH range, and provides a heavier, more "silky" slip that is often preferred for extremely damaged or coarse hair.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and moisture. Keep container tightly closed to prevent clumping.
Safety Guidelines
Varisoft EQ 65 is safe for external use in cosmetic formulations. It is not meant for internal consumption.
- Hazard Statements: According to the SDS, this product causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye damage (H318) in its concentrated pellet form.
- Handling: Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection when handling the raw pellets. If the product gets in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
- Regulatory Note: This product contains trace levels of methyl chloride (California Prop 65 warning).
