Polyquaternium 10(PQ 10)

Polyquaternium-10: –

CAS number: – 68610-92-4

Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is very different from the surfactants we discussed earlier — it’s not a cleanser but a cationic conditioning polymer widely used in haircare and skincare.

🔹 Form

• Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing hygroscopic powder (supplied as dry granules/powder)

• Solubility: Water-soluble, forms clear to slightly hazy solutions

• Charge type: Cationic (positively charged)

• Viscosity: Varies by grade (low, medium, or high viscosity types are available)

• pH (1% solution): ~5.0–7.0

🔹 Key Properties

• Film-forming agent → deposits a thin protective layer on hair/skin

• Conditioning effect → makes hair smooth, soft, and manageable

• Anti-static → reduces frizz, flyaways, and improves combability (wet & dry)

• Thickening agent → slightly increases viscosity in formulations

• Improves clarity of shampoo and body wash formulations

• Mild and compatible with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants

🔹 Applications in Personal Care & Cosmetics

✅ Hair Care

• Shampoos (improves combability, reduces breakage)

• Conditioners and 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioners

• Leave-in sprays and styling products

✅ Skin Care & Bath

• Body washes and shower gels (adds conditioning feel)

• Facial cleansers (leaves skin soft, reduces tightness)

• Hand washes

✅ Specialty Products

• Baby shampoos and mild formulations (gentle detangling effect)

• Color-protection shampoos (helps reduce dye washout)

🔹 Difference vs. Surfactants (like NaLS, Glucosides, SLS)

• Surfactants = cleansing, foaming

• PQ-10 = conditioning, anti-static, film-forming

• Often combined with surfactants in shampoos → surfactant cleanses, PQ-10 conditions