Polyquaternium-10
Modified cellulose with a positive charge. In shampoos and face washes it softens surfactant harshness and improves tactile properties.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal
About this ingredient
Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose polymer produced by quaternization of hydroxyethyl cellulose with 2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride. Water-soluble, forming clear viscous solutions. Used in shampoos, conditioners, balms, shower gels, styling products, and micellar waters at 0.1–2%. The polymer's positive charges bind to the negatively charged surface of damaged hair and keratin, forming a thin conditioning film that reduces static, eases combing, and adds smoothness and shine without weighing hair down. Unlike silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) it does not build up and washes out with regular shampoo. In rinse-off products it acts as an antistat and sensory enhancer; in leave-on products as a mild conditioner. Additional functions: thickener in acidic and neutral formulations, foam stabilizer, and mild film-former in facial products (toners, emulsions). Safe for all hair and scalp types. Suitable for sensitive skin, dermatoses, and children. No restrictions in pregnancy or breastfeeding. According to CIR (2015) it is non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating at typical use levels. Compatible with most surfactants except high concentrations of SLES and ammonium derivatives, which may cause loss of viscosity and conditioning effect.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polyquaternium-10 safe during pregnancy?
Polyquaternium-10 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Polyquaternium-10 for?
Polyquaternium-10 suits: oily, dry, combination, normal.
What is Polyquaternium-10 and what does it do in cosmetics?
Modified cellulose with a positive charge.
What's the INCI name for Polyquaternium-10?
The INCI name is Polyquaternium-10.
See Polyquaternium-10 in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-37, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-47, Sorbitan Tristearate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Disodium Phosphate, Myristyl Myristate
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