Polyquaternium 10 – Premium Conditioning & Thickening Agent for Hair & Skin Formulations.
Polyquaternium 10 is a versatile, water-soluble polymer derived from hydroxyethylcellulose that adds exceptional conditioning and thickening properties to formulations. This cationic conditioning agent is commonly used in haircare products like shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels, as well as in select skincare products to improve viscosity and create a smooth, luxurious feel. Polyquaternium 10 readily adheres to hair and skin proteins, providing improved combability, reduced breakage, and better curl retention, while also enhancing the overall texture of formulations.
Key Benefits
- Effective Conditioning: Binds to hair proteins, enhancing wet combability, reducing breakage, and improving overall hair feel. Excellent for both wash-out and leave-in products.
- Thickening Agent: Increases viscosity without the need for additional thickeners, making it useful in haircare and skincare formulations.
- Improves Slip: In skincare products, even small amounts provide a smoother, more elegant feel to serums, lotions, and gels.
- Curl Retention: Enhances curl definition and retention in hair products, making it ideal for curly or wavy hair types.
- Compatible with Multiple Systems: Works well in anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric systems, making it highly versatile in formulations.
INCI Name: Polyquaternium-10
CAS Number: 68610-92-4
Appearance: White to pale yellowish powder with a faint odor
Solubility: Water-soluble
Charge: Cationic (positively charged)
Recommended Usage Rates
- Haircare: Use at 0.2% to 2% depending on the formulation and desired conditioning properties. In shampoos, a typical usage rate is around 0.5%.
- Skincare: Use around 0.05% to 0.5% in serums, lotions, or other products where a smoother feel or thicker viscosity is desired. Start with lower percentages and increase as needed for best result
Applications
- Shampoos & Conditioners: Improves comb-through, reduces breakage, and enhances the overall feel and appearance of hair. Especially beneficial in curly hair formulations due to its curl retention capabilities.
- Hair Gels & Mousses: Provides long-lasting conditioning and viscosity to create more defined, manageable styles.
- Skincare: In serums, creams, and lotions, Polyquaternium 10 boosts viscosity and slip, giving a more elegant, luxurious feel to the skin. It’s also known for improving product application and sensory experience.
Formulation Tips
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Pre-Disperse: Always pre-disperse Polyquaternium 10 in a non-water liquid, such as glycerin or a light oil, before incorporating it into the water phase. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent clumping.
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Hydration: Stir and allow Polyquaternium 10 to fully hydrate in the water phase. You can speed up the process using a mini-mixer or an immersion blender.
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Hot or Cold Processing: Polyquaternium 10 can be used in both hot and cold process formulations, making it adaptable for various production methods.
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Combination with Other Ingredients: For additional conditioning benefits, Polyquaternium 10 pairs well with BTMS-50 or Behentrimonium Chloride. If you need more thickening, consider adding a non-cationic thickener like xanthan gum or hydroxyethylcellulose.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Storage: Keep in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life: When stored properly, Polyquaternium 10 has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
External Use Only: Polyquaternium 10 is intended for cosmetic formulations and should not be ingested or used internally.
Why Choose Polyquaternium 10?
Whether you’re formulating a deeply conditioning hair mask or a silky-smooth facial serum, Polyquaternium 10 offers a wide range of benefits, from enhancing product texture to improving the sensory experience. Its conditioning properties make it an essential ingredient for both leave-in and wash-out haircare products, while its ability to thicken and improve slip makes it valuable in skincare formulations. As a reliable, multi-functional ingredient, Polyquaternium 10 is a must-have for professional and DIY formulators alike.
