What is the viscosity range of Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) in typical shampoo and conditioner formulations?

PQ-10 is typically supplied as a powder or granulated polymer that hydrates and builds viscosity when dispersed in aqueous surfactant systems. The final viscosity depends on the grade, concentration (usually 0.1–1.0% active), and formulation base. Higher molecular weight grades contribute more thickening, while lower molecular weight variants offer easier handling and faster dispersion.

How does the degree of substitution affect PQ-10's performance in personal care systems?

The degree of substitution (DS) of quaternary groups on the cellulose backbone determines PQ-10's charge density and substantivity. Higher DS provides stronger binding to negatively charged hair and skin surfaces, improving conditioning and antistatic performance. Lower DS variants may offer better compatibility with certain surfactant systems and milder deposition.

Can Polyquaternium-10 be used in clear formulations and how does it affect transparency?

PQ-10 grades vary in their impact on formulation clarity. Well-dispersed, fully hydrated PQ-10 at recommended use levels (0.1–0.5%) is generally compatible with transparent shampoo and body wash systems. However, higher concentrations or certain grades may cause haze. Pre-dispersion and adequate hydration time are critical for maintaining clarity.

What is the recommended addition level of PQ-10 in shampoo and body wash formulations?

Typical use levels for PQ-10 in rinse-off formulations range from 0.1% to 1.0% active polymer, depending on the desired conditioning effect and formulation viscosity. In shampoos and body washes, 0.2–0.5% is common for noticeable conditioning without affecting foam quality or clarity. The optimal level should be confirmed through formulation testing.

How should Polyquaternium-10 be dispersed and hydrated during formulation processing?

PQ-10 should be slowly sifted into the water phase under moderate agitation to avoid clumping. Complete hydration typically requires 15–30 minutes of mixing at room temperature, followed by gentle heating if needed. Pre-hydrating PQ-10 in water or glycerin before adding surfactants improves dispersion and avoids fish-eye formation.

Is Polyquaternium-10 suitable for leave-on products such as creams and serums?

PQ-10 is primarily designed for rinse-off systems (shampoos, conditioners, body washes) where its substantivity is most effective. In leave-on applications, it can contribute film formation and feel improvement but should be tested for tackiness, layering compatibility, and sensory profile. Cosmetic Grade PQ-10 is recommended for leave-on products.

Polyquaternium-10 PQ-10 CAS 68610-92-4

Polyquaternium-10 (CAS 68610-92-4) is a functional personal care formulation ingredient rather than a consumer finished product. As a cationic cellulose polymer, it is used to improve conditioning, antistatic performance, combability and deposition in shampoos, conditioners, body washes and related rinse-off or leave-on systems.

CAS: 68610-92-4
Synonyms: Polyquaternium 10, PQ-10, Quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose, Cationic cellulose polymer
Einecs: 210-239-4
Molecular Formula: Polymer
Grade: Cosmetic Grade / Industrial Grade
Package: 1 kg / 25 kg / 1000 kg (plastic drum or bag)

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Product Description

Polyquaternium-10 is a cationic cellulose polymer used as a functional conditioning ingredient in personal care formulations. It is primarily applied in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, facial cleansers and related systems where improved combability, antistatic performance, film formation and deposition are required.

1 Product Overview

2 Product Information / Specifications

3 Physical & Chemical Properties

Product Overview

Polyquaternium-10, also known as PQ-10, is a water-soluble quaternized cellulose derivative commonly used as a conditioning and performance-enhancing polymer in personal care formulations. Its cationic character helps it deposit effectively on negatively charged hair and skin surfaces, making it especially useful in cleansing and conditioning systems.

This material is typically selected for its ability to improve wet combability, reduce static, enhance softness, support film formation and contribute to formulation aesthetics. It is not positioned as a finished consumer product, but as a formulation ingredient for hair care, skin cleansing and related cosmetic or daily chemical applications.

Product Information / Specifications

Product Name	Polyquaternium-10
Common Abbreviation	PQ-10
CAS Number	68610-92-4
Product Identity	Functional personal care formulation ingredient / cationic conditioning polymer
Chemical Type	Quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose derivative
Primary Function	Conditioning, antistatic, film-forming and formulation support
Typical Use Sector	Hair care, skin cleansing and personal care formulations
Documentation	COA, TDS and SDS/MSDS may be provided according to supply arrangement

Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance	Usually supplied as a free-flowing powder or granulated polymer, depending on grade
Solubility	Water-soluble
Ionic Character	Cationic
Key Performance Attributes	Substantivity to hair and skin, conditioning effect, antistatic behavior, film formation, viscosity contribution and surfactant compatibility in suitable systems
Formulation Role	Helps improve sensory profile, deposition and overall performance in rinse-off and selected leave-on products

Note: Polymer materials such as Polyquaternium-10 are commonly supplied in grade-specific forms, so fixed single-molecule parameters such as molecular formula, molecular weight or universal purity values are not always suitable for product-page presentation unless tied to a specific grade standard.

Applications

Shampoos: improves wet combability, reduces static and supports a smoother hair feel after washing.
Hair conditioners and 2-in-1 systems: contributes conditioning, softness and improved manageability.
Body washes and facial cleansers: helps provide a milder sensory profile and a conditioned after-feel.
Hair styling products: may contribute film formation, texture support and feel improvement depending on formulation design.
Creams and lotions: in selected systems, it may be used where film-forming or conditioning support is required.
Personal care formulation development: used as a specialty additive where deposition, compatibility and sensory enhancement are important.

Packaging

Packaging may vary by grade and supply arrangement. Common trade packaging formats include small evaluation packs, standard bag packaging and larger bulk units for industrial distribution.

Sample or small-pack options for evaluation
Standard 25 kg packaging for routine industrial handling
Larger bulk packaging subject to logistics and product grade

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
Protect from moisture, direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Avoid storage in conditions that may cause caking, contamination or packaging damage.

Safety Precautions

Handle according to current SDS and local workplace safety procedures.
Avoid unnecessary dust generation during transfer or weighing.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection and suitable workwear.
Avoid direct contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin.
For industrial use, hygiene, ventilation and handling controls should be aligned with the specific production environment.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is the viscosity range of Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) in typical shampoo and conditioner formulations?

A: PQ-10 is typically supplied as a powder or granulated polymer that hydrates and builds viscosity when dispersed in aqueous surfactant systems. The final viscosity depends on the grade, concentration (usually 0.1–1.0% active), and formulation base. Higher molecular weight grades contribute more thickening, while lower molecular weight variants offer easier handling and faster dispersion.
Q:
How does the degree of substitution affect PQ-10's performance in personal care systems?

A: The degree of substitution (DS) of quaternary groups on the cellulose backbone determines PQ-10's charge density and substantivity. Higher DS provides stronger binding to negatively charged hair and skin surfaces, improving conditioning and antistatic performance. Lower DS variants may offer better compatibility with certain surfactant systems and milder deposition.
Q:
Can Polyquaternium-10 be used in clear formulations and how does it affect transparency?

A: PQ-10 grades vary in their impact on formulation clarity. Well-dispersed, fully hydrated PQ-10 at recommended use levels (0.1–0.5%) is generally compatible with transparent shampoo and body wash systems. However, higher concentrations or certain grades may cause haze. Pre-dispersion and adequate hydration time are critical for maintaining clarity.
Q:
What is the recommended addition level of PQ-10 in shampoo and body wash formulations?

A: Typical use levels for PQ-10 in rinse-off formulations range from 0.1% to 1.0% active polymer, depending on the desired conditioning effect and formulation viscosity. In shampoos and body washes, 0.2–0.5% is common for noticeable conditioning without affecting foam quality or clarity. The optimal level should be confirmed through formulation testing.
Q:
How should Polyquaternium-10 be dispersed and hydrated during formulation processing?

A: PQ-10 should be slowly sifted into the water phase under moderate agitation to avoid clumping. Complete hydration typically requires 15–30 minutes of mixing at room temperature, followed by gentle heating if needed. Pre-hydrating PQ-10 in water or glycerin before adding surfactants improves dispersion and avoids fish-eye formation.
Q:
Is Polyquaternium-10 suitable for leave-on products such as creams and serums?

A: PQ-10 is primarily designed for rinse-off systems (shampoos, conditioners, body washes) where its substantivity is most effective. In leave-on applications, it can contribute film formation and feel improvement but should be tested for tackiness, layering compatibility, and sensory profile. Cosmetic Grade PQ-10 is recommended for leave-on products.

Documents

Documents and Product Support

For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.

COA for batch-based quality reference
TDS for key physical and chemical information
SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
Technical communication based on application and specification requirements

Quotation

Information to Confirm Before Quotation

Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.

Product name and CAS number
Application or intended end use
Required purity, grade, or specification
Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
Preferred packing form or net weight
Destination country or port
Required documents or compliance expectations

Storage & Handling

Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes

Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.

Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.

Supply Support

Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support

Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.

For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.

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Product Categories

Tags:

Cationic Cellulose Polymer Cationic Polymer Conditioning Polymer Cosmetic Thickener Hair Care Conditioning Agent Hair Conditioning Polymer

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