There is a variety of synthetic polymers available primarily using polyacrylates as the building block modified with quaternary ammonium compounds. These tend be used more for skin care than hair conditioning (INCI names include polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-51 and polyquaternium-55). Some of these work better in conditioning skin during repeated washing as in hand soaps, others can form films that can help hold moisture in skin when used in facial cleanser
Whether you decide that you want a natural or synthetic conditioning polymer for your shampoo, body wash or facial cleanser, you can select the product which provides the right conditioning, synergy with other ingredients, after-feel, and long-term aesthetics. This is barely an introduction to this area. There is plenty of additional information available.
