actives

LACTIQUAT®

Water soluble cationic ingredient from upcycled raw materials

smoothing – softening – anti-odor

INCI name

Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Lactate

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Single fresh green cabbage on a white background, symbolizing purity and natural ingredients.

Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Lactate (LACTIQUAT®) is a 100% plant-derived copolymer with a high cationic charge, derived from betaine and supported by lactic acid, forming a stronger bond with the skin. This formulation can replace synthetic conditioning agents like ammonium chloride and polyquaternium derivatives, improving compatibility and transparency in anionic surfactant systems.

It offers moisturization, smoothness, flexibility, and specific antimicrobial activity, acting as a preservative booster and preventing body odor. Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on skincare products,

LACTIQUAT® is non-irritating and exhibits maximum cationic charge at pH 4.5-6.5, becoming non-ionic at neutral pH and anionic in alkaline conditions.

KEY COMPONENTS

Betaine, a non-toxic molecule from sugar beet, enhances surfactant compatibility, retains moisture, and improves sensory characteristics. Lactic acid, a milder AHA from sugar beet, exfoliates, improves skin texture, stimulates collagen, promotes a healthy microbiome, and prevents odor.

BETAINE & LACTIC ACID SYNERGISTIC ACTION

SMOOTHING PROPERTIES

LACTIQUAT® blends the hydrating properties of betaine with the gentle exfoliating and skin flexibilty-enhancing effects of lactic acid, resulting in a visible smoothing effect.

ANTI ODOR EFFICACY

LACTIQUAT® combines the antimicrobial properties of quaternized betaine and lactic acid, effectively serving as a barrier against pathogenic infections, including odor-causing bacteria.

SMOOTHING PROPERTIES

With aging, the cutaneous microrelief, defined as skin irregularities, increases causing a visible roughness and inhomogeneity. LACTIQUAT®, with the synergistic action of betiane and lactic acid, can decrease skin microrelief thus leading to a significant smoothing effect.

To prove that, 4% LACTIQUAT® emulsion* has been tested against a Placebo** on 20 volunteers, aged from 40 to 65, using the “half-face method” (subjects apply each formulation to a different side of the face). Skin moisturization (using CORNEOMETER) and skin profilometry (using PrimosCR SF) have been quantitatively evaluated to assess skin surface properties (hydration, wrinkle depth, volume, roughness, etc).

*LACTIQUAT® face cream: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactiquat (Polygyceryl-3 Betainate Lactate), Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether (and) Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (and) Malic Acid, Propanediol, Bentonite, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum.

**Placebo face cream: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether (and) Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil (and) Malic Acid, Propanediol, Bentonite, Benzyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum.

SKIN HYDRATION

The 4% LACTIQUAT® face cream significantly (p<0.001) increases skin moisturization from the first application (up to 70% at T1h vs T0) and provides a long-term cumulative effect (up to 50% at T28d vs T0). LACTIQUAT® achieves significantly superior results compared to the Placebo at every monitored time point: almost double after 1 hour, with even greater improvements after 2 and 4 weeks.
 

CUTANEOUS MICRORELIEF REDUCTION

Skin profilometry has been quantitatively assessed by PrimosCR SF (Canfield Scientific Europe), a non-contact in vivo skin measurement device based on structured light projection. With a comprehensive 3-D measurement and specific software, it calculates the profile valley depth through the evaluation of Rv (maximum profile valley depth) and Rp (maximum peak profile height) parameters.

 
A bar chart showing the RV parameter variation compared to T0 over time (1 hour, 14 days, and 28 days) for Placebo and LACTIQUAT®. LACTIQUAT® shows greater negative variations in RV parameter compared to Placebo at all time points.
A bar chart showing the RP parameter variation compared to T0 over time (1 hour, 14 days, and 28 days) for Placebo and LACTIQUAT®. LACTIQUAT® shows greater negative variations in RP parameter compared to Placebo at all time points.
4% LACTIQUAT® face cream significantly decreases both the maximum profile valley depth (Rv) and the maximum peak profile height (Rp) parameters, with reductions of up to -35% at T28d compared to T0 and obtains results superior compared to Placebo at each monitored timepoints. (* p<0.05; ** p<0.01; *** p<0.001)
 

3D SKIN PROFILOMETRY: SKIN TEXTURE VISIBLY IMPROVED

The application of a cream containing 4% LACTIQUAT® over 28 days demonstrates a clear progressive reduction in wrinkle depth around the eye area. Initially, the images depict significant wrinkle extent. By day 14, there is a noticeable decrease, and by day 28, the reduction is substantial.

LACTIQUAT® not only moisturizes and improves skin texture but also provides a clear smoothing effect, visibly reducing wrinkles and roughness. This treatment gives the skin a renewed youthful appearance with consistent use over time.

A surface topography image showing the skin's texture before treatment (T0) with LACTIQUAT®. The color map indicates height variations in micrometers, with blue representing the lowest areas and yellow the highest. The dimensions range from 0 to 24 mm in length and 0 to 30 mm in width.
A surface topography image showing the skin's texture after 14 days of treatment with LACTIQUAT®. The color map indicates height variations in micrometers, with blue representing the lowest areas and yellow the highest. The dimensions range from 0 to 24 mm in length and 0 to 30 mm in width.
A surface topography image showing the skin's texture after 28 days of treatment with LACTIQUAT®. The color map indicates height variations in micrometers, with blue representing the lowest areas and yellow the highest. The dimensions range from 0 to 24 mm in length and 0 to 30 mm in width.

SELF-ASSESSMENT AFTER TREATMENT

A radar chart comparing the skin appearance results of LACTIQUAT® versus a placebo. The chart includes parameters such as rejuvenation, smoothness, firmness and elasticity, wrinkle reduction, roughness reduction, and general improvement. LACTIQUAT® (green line) shows better performance in most categories compared to the placebo (grey line).

Compared to the Placebo, enrolled subjects found the LACTIQUAT® face cream overall superior, in particular in reducing wrinkles and fine lines as well as in improving skin elasticity and roughness.

They also found LACTIQUAT® emulsion pleasant and non-irritating.

ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

A table showing the antimicrobial efficacy of LACTIQUAT® against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. For S. aureus, the MIC is 2.5% and the MBC is greater than 10%. For P. aeruginosa, the MIC is 1% and the MBC is 2.5%. For E. coli, the MIC is 1% and the MBC is 2%.

Compared to the Placebo, enrolled subjects found the LACTIQUAT® face cream overall superior, in particular in reducing wrinkles and fine lines as well as in improving skin elasticity and roughness.

They also found LACTIQUAT® emulsion pleasant and non-irritating.

A table showing the antimicrobial efficacy of an ingredient against S. epidermidis and S. hominis. For S. epidermidis, the MIC is 6% and the MBC is 10%. For S. hominis, the MIC is 4% and the MBC is 10%.

It demonstrates bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis, key cutaneous strains linked to body odor through sweat conversion into volatile organic compounds.

ANTI-ODOR EFFICACY

The efficacy of LACTIQUAT® in preventing body odor development was assessed using an Olfactory Sensory Analysis (Sniff test) conducted by 3 expert evaluators on volunteers at 4, 8, and 24 hours post-shower.

The test compared a bodywash containing LACTIQUAT®* against a Placebo**. According to the Likert scale (1 indicating no bad smell to 5 indicating a very intense bad smell), LACTIQUAT® bodywash showed statistically significant deodorant effectiveness at 4, 8, and 24 hours after use, demonstrating a lower intensity of bad odor compared to the Placebo at all tested times.

Volunteers found the LACTIQUAT® bodywash not only effective in preventing bad odor but also easy to use, suitable for daily care, enjoyable, and importantly, non-irritating.

*LACTIQUAT® body wash: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, LACTIQUAT® (Polyglyceryl-3 Betainate Lactate), Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid.

**Placebo body wash: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid.

A bar chart showing the sniff test results for placebo and LACTIQUAT® over time (t0, t4h, t8h, t24h). The y-axis uses a Likert scale from 0 to 5. At t0, both groups have similar ratings around 1. At t4h, the placebo has a higher rating than LACTIQUAT®. At t8h, the placebo still has a higher rating, but the difference is less. At t24h, the placebo has the highest rating, while LACTIQUAT® has a significantly lower rating, indicating better performance in reducing odor.

VISCOSITY

LACTIQUAT® Impact on viscosity was investigated using a base surfactants formulation at pH 5.2 as follows:
Table showing the base formula composition used for viscosity determination with LACTIQUAT®.
LACTIQUAT® improves formulation viscosity in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby enabling a reduction in the use of NaCl, which is commonly incorporated as a thickening agent but can lead to undesirable effects.
Bar chart displaying viscosity measurements of a formula with different concentrations of LACTIQUAT®.

Chassis: formula without LACTIQUAT®.
Viscosimeter Anton Paar VISCOQC 300, spindle RH3,
T=20°C, speed 30 rpm, 1 min.

A table comparing LACTIQUAT® and Polyquaternium-7 on three aspects: biodegradability, toxicity, and regulatory status. LACTIQUAT® is readily biodegradable, safe, and not restricted. Polyquaternium-7 is not readily biodegradable, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, and regulated by Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Ref. 66).

  • Moisturization:

    • Significantly increases and retains skin hydration.
    • 4% LACTIQUAT® face cream boosts moisturization by up to 70% at T1h, with long-term effects up to 50% at T28d, outperforming placebo.

  • Smoothness:

    • Improves skin texture and reduces roughness.
    • PrimosCR SF measurements show a 35% reduction in skin roughness.
    • Visible improvement in skin texture and wrinkle reduction over 28 days.

  • Flexibility:

    • Enhances skin elasticity and suppleness.
    • Self-assessments confirm superior results in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, improving skin elasticity and roughness.
    • Users found the product pleasant and non-irritating.

  • Antimicrobial Activity:

    • Acts as a preservative booster, preventing body odor.
    • Effective against odor-causing bacteria, with a statistically significant reduction in bad odor intensity.

  • Compatibility:

    • Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on skincare products.
    • Enhances formulation viscosity, reducing the need for NaCl as a thickening agent.
Lactiquat sample displayed on a transparent glass plate.

ORIGIN

Chemical synthesis of natural raw materials

 

 
   Appearance Clear liquid
   Colour Very light yellow
   Odour Soft, characteristic
   Dry residue (105°C) > 85%
   pH (5% water solution at 25°C) 3 – 5

Skincare: conditioning creams.

Personal care: detergents, body washes.

% OF USE:
2.0 – 5.0%

 

Woman washing her face with a foamy cleanser, enjoying a refreshing skincare routine.

 

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