Polyquaternium-10
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Quaternium Ammonium Compounds
Synthetic polymer compound primarily used in hair care products | Offers hair conditioning, detangling, and anti-static benefits
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Polyquaternium-10?
Polyquaternium-10 is a synthetic polymer compound primarily used in hair care products due to its value as a flexible film-forming and anti-static agent. Of note, it offers conditioning and detangling benefits.
Polyquaternium-10 also shows up in skin care formulas such as cleansers, exfoliants, and moisturizers where it is known to offer emollient properties and can be used to control the viscosity of a formula, thereby enhancing the texture.
As a raw material, it has a white granular powder appearance and is soluble in water.
Polyquaternium-10 has decades of history of safe use in cosmetics and was most recently reevaluated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2008, where it was once again deemed safe. Their report surveyed 396 products using polyquaternium-10, with concentrations ranging from 0.004% to 1.5%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, December 2016, pages 47S–53S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091581816669116]
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Analytical Methods: Investigating Methods and Applications, August 2016, pages 5,806–5,811 [https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/ay/c6ay01748g]
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International Journal of Cosmetics Science, October 2008, ePublication [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00433.x]
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International Journal of Toxicology, January 2008, pages 77–142 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/10915810802032362]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Polyethylene Terephthalate
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyethyloxazoline
A synthetic polymer that absorbs moisture and helps formulations maintain structure
Polymethyl Methacrylate
A film-forming polymer that creates a protective layer on the skin surface
Polyquaternium-11
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair fibre and reduces static
Polyquaternium-2
A conditioning polymer that smooths the hair cuticle and reduces static
Polyquaternium-22
A film-forming polymer that helps reduce static and improves product texture
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