INCI: hydroxypropyltrimonium honey
CAS: 223705-79-1
RAW Material: Honey
Quaternized honey, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey or honeyquat, is a chemically modified natural polymer enhanced to improve functionality and performance. It is derived from raw honey, a renewable and biodegradable resource. Despite its synthetic nature, quaternized honey is a valuable ingredient used as a conditioning agent that can provide hydration, softness, shine, and protection to hair products. (1,2)
Sustainability: Quaternized honey is often considered a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products. However, its sustainability depends on various factors, such as the metrics used to measure sustainability.
Production Process: The process involves reacting honey with low molecular weight quaternary derivative. A chemical reaction that adds a positive charge to the honey molecules. This process makes honey more water-soluble and able to bind to negatively charged hair strands. However, it alters honey’s natural structure and properties and may introduce synthetic or toxic residues into the final product. (3)
Honey Production: Honey production has several aspects that contribute to its sustainability:
Honeybees collect nectar from flowers to produce honey. They evaporate water from the nectar by fanning their wings over honeycomb cells, reducing the water content until the sugar concentration is around 18-19%. This process doesn’t require additional water resources, making it relatively water efficient. (6)
Land Use: Honey production doesn’t require land cultivation. Bees can forage for nectar and pollen within a 2-mile radius of their hive. This allows bees to utilize various ecosystems, from forests to urban areas. (7)
Fertilizer Use: Honeybees can serve the purpose of natural fertilizers, supporting the environment while producing honey. (8)
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of Quaternized honey depends on the quality and source of honey, the quantity and type of chemicals used, and the safety and efficiency of the production facilities. Production may generate waste, emissions, or by-products that can negatively affect the environment and human health. Sustainable honey production considers factors such as water, land, and fertilizer usage.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of honey production can vary. If honey comes from bees that aren’t native to the local ecosystem, honey production can negatively affect the local environment. On the other hand, if the honey comes from local bees, it can positively impact the environment. However, high densities of commercial honeybee colonies can supplant native bee populations, potentially impacting local biodiversity. Moreover, the process of honey production is considered exploitative as it involves removing the bees’ food stores. (4,5)
1 - HoneyQuat Quaternized Honey SDS (chemistryconnection.com)
2 - Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey: Cosmetic Ingredient INCI (specialchem.com)
3 - Honeyquat PF — Windy Point Soap Making Supplies
4 - https://www.greenmatters.com/p/how-honey-industry-affects-environment
5 - https://www.honeysource.com/what-is-the-environmental-impact-of-honey-production/
6 - How do bees make honey? From the hive to the pot | Live Science
7 - Maximizing Honey Production | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu)
8 - Creating a Bee Garden - The National Wildlife Federation Blog (nwf.org)