Ingredient · Cationic Conditioning Polymer
Polyquaternium-10 (Cationic Cellulose)
INCI · Polyquaternium-10
Related names and forms: PQ-10. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Polyquaternium-10 (INCI: Polyquaternium-10) is one of the most common cationic, positively charged conditioning polymers in hair and skin care. Chemically, it is hydroxyethylcellulose derived from natural cellulose, quaternised by functionalising it with a positive charge. Like other cationic conditioners, it works electrostatically: hair's keratin surface, especially areas damaged by washing, heat or colour, is negatively charged. Polyquaternium-10 adheres through its positive charge, leaving a thin conditioning film. This provides antistatic effects, slip, easier combing and a soft, moist feel. It is most common in shampoos: formulated with anionic cleansers, it conditions during washing, balancing the dry feel of cleansing. Conditioners and styling products also use it for film and antistatic effects. Polyquaternium is a large numbered family, including PQ-7, PQ-10 and PQ-11. All are cationic conditioning polymers, but each number identifies a different structure, so reading the number helps identify the ingredient. Most uses feel light, but layering a very heavy conditioning routine on fine hair may feel weighty over time. This concerns assessment of the routine more than the ingredient. Klaris assesses Polyquaternium-10 alongside product type, conditioning system and the whole formula.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
Antistatic Effects and Slip
Its positive charge adheres to hair, reducing static and providing slip and easier combing.
Conditioning During Washing
In shampoos, a thin conditioning film helps balance the dry feeling left by washing.
Feel and Moisture Appearance
A surface film supports softness and a moist feel.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Cationic Cellulose Polymer
Quaternised hydroxyethylcellulose: a positively charged polymer derived from cellulose.
Step 2
Electrostatic Adhesion
Its positive charge adheres to negatively charged, damaged strand surfaces, leaving a thin conditioning film.
Step 3
Conditioning During Washing
Works with anionic surfactants in shampoos to condition during washing, providing antistatic effects and slip.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Polyquaternium-10 is quaternised, cationic hydroxyethylcellulose. Its positive charge adheres to hair's negatively charged keratin surface. It is widely used in shampoos for conditioning during washing and in conditioners and styling products for antistatic and film effects, with a mild thickening and film-forming role too. Compatibility with anionic, negatively charged surfactants is balanced during formulation.
Typical Concentration Range
0.1% - 1% (depending on formula context)
Ingredient Family
Conditioning Ingredients
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Generally a lightweight, well-tolerated conditioning polymer. Layering a very heavy conditioning routine at fine-hair roots may feel weighty over time; it is assessed alongside the cleansing system.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Formulation chemistry guides
- Cosmetic ingredient safety assessment groups
Starting Points for Independent Research
These links lead to official databases and serve as starting points for searches.
iv. Related Ingredients
Ingredients Often Read Together
Ingredient · Plant-Derived Cationic Conditioning Polymer
Cationic Guar (Guar Derivative)
INCI · Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Ingredient · Cationic Conditioner
Cetrimonium Chloride
INCI · Cetrimonium Chloride
Ingredient · Cationic Conditioner
Behentrimonium Methosulfate (BTMS)
INCI · Behentrimonium Methosulfate
v. Conditioning Ingredients Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
6 Min Read
How to Read an INCI List on a Hair Product
Familiar ingredient families in shampoo, conditioner and masks, and how the context of the same list changes with your Hair Identity.
6 Min Read
What You Need to Know About Sulphates (SLS/SLES)
A measured look at cleansing chemistry, its role in formulas and the context of sensitive profiles.
6 Min Read
Fine and Thick Hair: How to Read the Ingredients
Strand thickness, tolerance for weight and the appearance of volume: key ingredient families for fine and thick strands.
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Polyquaternium-10 (Cationic Cellulose) Feature
in Your Products?
Explore product examples to see the ingredient list, general assessment and match score that changes with the example profile together.
Masked products and example profiles, not a personal analysis. Profile matching in the app is part of Klaris Premium. The app is currently available in Turkish. An English version is in preparation.