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Polyquaternium - 10 (PQ-10)
SKU: CC-ADD-PQ10
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Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is a versatile ingredient used in hair and skincare products. It acts as a conditioning agent, providing a silky smooth feel to your hair and skin. PQ-10 helps to detangle hair, reduce static, and improve manageability, making it a popular choice in shampoos and conditioners. In skincare, it forms a protective layer that helps retain moisture and enhance the texture of your products. Essentially, it’s great for keeping your hair soft and your skin hydrated, giving you a healthier, more polished look.
Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is a highly effective conditioning polymer widely used in modern haircare and skincare formulations for its exceptional ability to improve softness, manageability, and texture. Known for its strong film-forming, anti-static, and moisture-retaining properties, PQ-10 creates a smooth, protective layer that enhances shine and prevents dryness. It is ideal for shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, serums, leave-in treatments, styling products, body washes, facial cleansers, and lotions, delivering a luxurious, silky feel.
Polyquaternium-10 works by binding moisture to the hair shaft, helping reduce frizz, tangles, and breakage while improving overall hair strength. It enhances combability, adds volume, and supports a polished, salon-quality finish. Its anti-static action makes it especially beneficial for curly, frizzy, dry, or damaged hair types. In skincare formulations, PQ-10 boosts softness, improves spreadability, and enhances the conditioning effect of both rinse-off and leave-on products.
This ingredient is highly valued by formulators for its versatility, water solubility, and excellent compatibility with surfactants, making it an ideal addition to cleansing systems. Polyquaternium-10 also helps thicken formulations slightly, improving texture and creating a smooth, stable product.
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PQ-10 is typically found in various hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and styling products. Follow the instructions on the specific product for the recommended usage. In general, apply the product containing PQ-10 to wet or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on for the specified time, as directed, and then rinse thoroughly.
Polyquaternium-10 is easy to use and works best when dispersed in warm water before being added to a formulation. Begin by sprinkling PQ-10 slowly into water with gentle stirring to avoid clumping. Typical usage levels range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired conditioning effect. It blends well with surfactants, making it ideal for shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in treatments. Add during the water phase or early mixing stages for smooth incorporation. PQ-10 enhances viscosity, improves texture, and provides consistent conditioning. Ensure complete hydration for maximum performance and product clarity.
- Conditioning and Moisturizing: PQ-10 helps to improve the texture and appearance of hair by providing excellent conditioning and moisturizing properties. It forms a thin film on the hair shaft, reducing frizz and adding smoothness and shine.
- Detangling and Manageability: PQ-10 aids in detangling and improving the manageability of hair. It reduces static electricity, making combing and styling easier, and prevents hair from becoming tangled or knotted.
- Enhanced Volume and Body: PQ-10 can give hair a boost of volume and body, making it look fuller and thicker. It helps to lift the hair at the roots, providing a volumizing effect.
- Protection from Damage: PQ-10 forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, shielding it from environmental stressors, such as UV radiation and heat from styling tools. This can help minimize damage caused by external factors.
Polyquaternium-10 offers excellent conditioning, detangling, and anti-frizz benefits that make it a top ingredient in premium haircare and skincare formulations. It forms a lightweight, protective film on the hair and skin, helping retain moisture and improve softness. PQ-10 enhances combability, reduces breakage, and adds shine, giving hair a smooth, manageable, salon-quality finish. Its anti-static properties help control frizz and flyaways, especially in dry or damaged hair. In skincare, it improves slip, texture, and hydration in cleansing and moisturizing products. Suitable for all hair types, Polyquaternium-10 boosts nourishment, shine, and long-lasting smoothness in both rinse-off and leave-on formulas.
- Allergic Reactions: While PQ-10 is generally considered safe for use, some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to this ingredient. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
- Eye Contact: Avoid direct contact with the eyes when using products containing PQ-10. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- External Use Only: PQ-10 is intended for external use only. Do not ingest or apply to broken or irritated skin.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store products containing PQ-10 in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
It is always advisable to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult a dermatologist or hairstylist if you have specific concerns or questions about using products containing PQ-10.
Product Questions
Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is a water-soluble cationic polymer derived from cellulose, commonly used in haircare and skincare products. It acts as a conditioning agent, film former, and anti-static ingredient. PQ-10 helps improve texture, softness, and manageability in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products while also reducing hair frizz and static. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all hair and skin types.
Polyquaternium-10 offers multiple benefits for hair. It helps to detangle, smooth, and protect hair strands, leaving them soft and manageable. It forms a thin, conditioning film that enhances shine, reduces breakage, and prevents tangling. It also minimizes static electricity, giving your hair a healthy, silky, and frizz-free finish after every wash.
Yes, Polyquaternium-10 is considered safe, non-toxic, and gentle for everyday use. It has been widely tested for cosmetic applications and does not irritate the scalp or skin. Its conditioning and moisturizing effects make it ideal for daily-use shampoos, cleansers, and lotions that promote healthy hair and skin balance.
In shampoos, PQ-10 enhances foam stability and gives the hair a silky after-feel. It helps reduce the harsh effects of surfactants by forming a protective coating on hair strands. In conditioners, it boosts softness, shine, and detangling ability, making hair easier to manage. The result is smooth, moisturized, and stronger hair after every use.
Absolutely, Polyquaternium-10 helps repair and protect chemically treated or damaged hair by forming a protective layer that seals in moisture and strengthens each strand. It reduces dryness and brittleness caused by coloring, heat styling, or environmental stress. Regular use helps hair appear softer, healthier, and more vibrant over time.
Yes, PQ-10 is highly beneficial for curly, wavy, and textured hair types. It provides superior slip and moisture retention, reducing frizz and tangling. It also defines curls and maintains elasticity without weighing the hair down. Products containing PQ-10 make curls appear smooth, bouncy, and naturally defined.
In skincare, PQ-10 acts as a conditioning and film-forming agent that keeps the skin soft and hydrated. It helps maintain moisture balance and provides a smooth, velvety texture in creams, lotions, and facial cleansers. Its mild, non-irritating nature makes it perfect for sensitive and dry skin formulations.
Polyquaternium-10 is derived from natural cellulose, making it biodegradable and eco-friendly compared to synthetic polymers. It breaks down naturally in the environment and is safe for use in sustainable beauty formulations. Many green cosmetic brands prefer PQ-10 because it aligns with eco-conscious and clean beauty standards.
Polyquaternium-10 is usually used at a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5% in cosmetic formulations, depending on the desired level of conditioning and thickness. Even at low levels, it provides excellent results — enhancing texture, improving stability, and offering luxurious, smooth performance in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Yes, Polyquaternium-10 is a great ingredient for DIY beauty enthusiasts. It can be added to homemade shampoos, conditioners, or serums to enhance conditioning and smoothness. Simply dissolve it in water or the aqueous phase before mixing with other ingredients. Its easy-to-use and effective nature makes it perfect for creating professional-quality DIY formulations.

