Polyquaternium-10 is used in cosmetics as a conditioner, thickener and emollient. It has been found that cosmetic products containing up to 1% Polyquaternium-10 have not been shown to be irritants, sensitizers or photosensitizers. Based on the information presented, it is concluded that Polyquaternium-10 is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in current usage practices (1).

Polyquaternium-10 has proved to be well tolerated in assessments of ocular biocompatibility with good functional and morphological results in experiments on laboratory animals and could therefore be presented as a new alternative in the development of ophthalmic surgical devices (2).

It is used as a conditioner in shampoos to improve deposition uniformity and deposition efficiency of hair conditioning agents and to lubricate them (3) and soften them to avoid the rippling effect (4).

References________________________________________

(1) Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyquaternium-10
International Journal of Toxicology May/June 1988 vol. 7 no. 3 335-351
(2) Ocular biocompatibility of polyquaternium 10 gel: functional and morphological results.
Alasino RV, Garcia LG, Gramajo AL, Pusterla JP, Beltramo DM, Luna JD.
J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015 Feb
(3) Linking enhanced deposition agent functionality with aesthetic performance.
Erazo-Majewicz P, Roberts-Howard C, Oldham E, Lynch C, Graham J, Usher CR, Joneja S.   -   J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Mar-Ap
(4) Evaluation of hair humidity resistance/moisturization from hair elasticity.
Gao T.   -   J Cosmet Sci. 2007 Jul-Aug

Polyquaternium-10 is an organic chemical compound , a polymer composed of quaternary ammonium.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Polyquaternium is a term used to refer to polymers that contain quaternary ammonium groups. The 'poly' part refers to the structure of the polymer, while 'quaternium' refers to the quaternary ammonium groups.
• 10 is a number assigned by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) to differentiate it from other polyquaternium compounds in chronological order.

Description of raw materials used in production:

• Cellulose - Polyquaternium-10 is derived from cellulose, a natural polysaccharide.
• Alkylating agents - Used to introduce quaternary groups into the cellulose structure.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Preparation of hydroxyethyl cellulose. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. It is produced by reacting cellulose with ethylene oxide.
• Reaction with substituted trimethylammonium epoxide. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is reacted with a trimethylammonium-substituted epoxide. This introduces quaternary ammonium groups into the polymer, resulting in Polyquaternium-10.

It appears as a colourless to light yellow liquid, soluble in water, insoluble in ester, hydrocarbons and ketone or as a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Polyquaternium-10 is used in cosmetics and body care products such as shampoos, liquid soaps and others. Its function is to reduce static electricity, increase the volume and softness of the hair.

• Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.
• Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

It is also known as Quaternium-19

Applications

Hair Products: This polymer is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products because of its conditioning and anti-static properties. It can enhance hair's combability, reducing frizz.

Skin Products: While less common, it can be used in some skin products as moisturizing agents or thickeners.

Properties

Conditioning: Enhances hair texture and manageability.

Anti-static: Helps reduce static electricity in hair, diminishing frizz.

Film-forming: Can form a thin film on the skin or hair, retaining moisture and giving a smooth, shiny appearance.

Safety

When used in products, Poliquaternium-10 is generally considered safe

Polyquaternium-10 studies

Molecular formula: C₈H₆O₆

Molecular weight: 198.12964

CAS: 81859-24-7