Common Name(s): Pq-10,hydroxyethylcellulose ethyl trimethylammonium chloride,jr-400
CAS Number: 54351-50-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides film-forming conditioning and detangling with heat protection in a polymer that adsorbs substantively to hair.
Why It's Used: The most widely used cationic polymer conditioner โ provides excellent conditioning and detangling while adsorbing strongly to damaged hair areas that need conditioning most.
How It Works: Cationic quaternary ammonium groups along the polymer backbone adsorb to anionic sites on hair keratin. higher charge density on damaged hair (more negative sites) leads to preferential adsorption where conditioning is needed. polymer film formation provides heat protection and volume.
Typically Found In: Shampoos,2-in-1 products,conditioners,styling products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ cationic polymer conditioner
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ cellulose-derived
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Polyquaternium-10's 'self-targeting' to damaged hair sites is a unique smart conditioning mechanism. as hair damage increases negative charge density by exposing keratin's aspartate and glutamate carboxylate groups, pq-10's cationic polymer backbone adsorbs preferentially to these high-charge damage sites โ automatically delivering more conditioning where the hair needs it most.
Last Verified: Cosing database,robbins hair science,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
