| Description |
Polyquaternium 10 is a range of polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) reacted with trimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide. Polyquaternium 10 solutions are non-Newtonian and are commercially available 1) in several viscosity grades depending on their molecular weights (they contribute to viscosity of formulations), and 2) with“high” to “moderate”cationic substitution. In vivo tests showed that these cationic cellulosic polymers protect the skin from aggression by anionic surfactants. |
| Chemical Properties |
Polyquaternium 10 is a water soluble, white granulated powder that is a widely used ingredient in hair care products because of its anti-static and moisturizing properties. It is also considered a film former, supplying a sheen and coating to hair strands by easily being absorbed by proteins. |
| Uses |
polyquaternium-10 is a cellulose polymer and conditioning agent used in skin-conditioning formulations.
There are numerous cationic polymers that provide conditioning benefits, especially improved wet combing and reduced static charge. Important examples of these polymers are Polyquaternium-10, a quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose polymer; Polyquaternium-7, a Hair Conditioners 339 copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and acrylamide; Polyquaternium-11, a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with dimethyl sulfate; Polyquaternium-16, a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole; and Polyquaternium-6, a homopolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride. |
| Uses |
Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) and Polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7) are two of the most frequently used polymers in commercial shampoos. Both of these polymers form negatively charged complexes with excess anionic surfactant, resulting in reduced deposition because of repulsion by the negatively charged hair surface. The magnitude of this effect depends on the particular anionic used, and on the anionic surfactant/polymer ratio. In all cases, however, conditioning from shampoos is significantly less than from stand-alone conditioners. |
| Uses |
Polyquaternium 10 is used for hair conditioning and protection. |
| Chemical Reactivity |
Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic, surface-active polymer that is adsorbed by keratinous surfaces, such as hair and skin (stratum corneum). The adsorption of the polymer was not readily affected by pH in the range of 4 to 10. It undergoes slow hydrolytic cleavage outside this pH range. Sorption of Polyquaternium-10 to keratinous surfaces was decreased by the addition of electrolytes (salts), such as aluminum, iron, calcium, or sodium. Polyquaternium-10 is biologically degradable. The presence of ethyl alcohol or propylene glycol adds to the stability of PoIyquaternium-10. |
| Side effects |
Polyquaternium-10 is generally considered to be safe for topical use. It is mild, non-irritant and non-sensitizing to the skin, hence used in a wide range of cosmetic products. At 2% concentration in the skincare and haircare formulation, it is non-irritant and does not show any signs of allergic reaction on your skin. Hence Polyquaternium-10 is considered to be safe for use in cosmetics at 2% concentration. At 5% concentration, it is known to show mild irritation to your skin and eyes. Polyquaternium-10 is considered to be entirely safe for use at 2% concentration or below. Anything above it can cause slight irritation to your skin and eyes. |
| Safety |
polyquaternium-10 is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in its current concentrations and uses. In 2005, the Expert Panel evaluated new data and confirmed the above conclusion. Polyquaternium 10 has low toxicity. Skin studies indicated that it was poorly absorbed into the skin. This is due to the fact that it binds to the protein, keratin, in the skin and hair. In high concentrations, 5% or greater, polyquarternium 10 can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. However, when used at 2% or lower this effect is not observed. It also is not genotoxic or photosensitizing. |
