Polyquaternium-10 stands as a cationic polymer within the cellulose ether family, known in scientific communities as a modified hydroxyethyl cellulose quaternary ammonium derivative. The material shows up frequently in formulations for hair care and personal care products because it attaches well to keratin and delivers conditioning benefits even in rinse-off settings. Developed for more than just personal care, labs rely on its ability to change surface characteristics and control viscosity. Value in daily routines and specialized manufacturing both trace back to these same molecular features.
Polyquaternium-10 comes in forms ranging from off-white to pale yellow powder or flakes, with less common variants showing up as fine pearls or even clear liquids. Breaking down the molecular aspect, this polymer offers a repeating unit structure based on cellulosic chains grafted with cationic trimethylammonium groups. The molecular formula is C27H54NO12 for reference, but commercial products use copolymers with different weights and viscosities to serve different markets. In powder or flakes, it shows a bulk density around 0.3-0.6 g/cm3 and dissolves well in water, forming clear, viscous solutions. That's pivotal for anyone mixing up batches at the bench or scaling up manufacturing, because good solubility and stable viscosity mean fewer headaches down the line. Polyquaternium-10 carries a high charge density, making it very attractive to negatively charged surfaces like human hair and skin, so its conditioning properties hold through washing and rinsing. As a chemical, it ranks as safe for use in most cosmetic and personal care products. It does not fall under hazardous classification by GHS standards when handled as intended. Toxicologists report relatively low skin and eye irritation, and unlike some older conditioning agents, Polyquaternium-10 does not persist in the environment in the same way.
Customers receive Polyquaternium-10 in a handful of recognizable forms—solids like flakes and fine powders, sometimes compacted into small pearls, or pre-dissolved in solution. Purity tends to clock in at 95% and above, and moisture content usually stays below 6-8%, protecting quality in shipment. For formulators and plant managers, available viscosities typically span from 300 cps to 7,000 cps at 1% solution (25°C, Brookfield), each aimed at different end uses. Personally, I found the higher viscosity grades indispensable in thickening shampoo and giving a product a rich texture without weighing it down or clogging the mixing lines. Storage guidelines remain consistent—keep in airtight containers, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and at stable temperatures. Bulk material often goes out in 25 kg fiber drums or 20 kg lined paper bags. HS Code for Polyquaternium-10 usually falls under 3402.90, which designates organic surface-active agents, so customs clearance tends not to draw extra scrutiny provided paperwork is in order.
Polyquaternium-10 begins with cellulose, an abundant raw material, grabbed for its renewable and non-toxic background. Chemists then modify the hydroxyl groups with hydroxyethyl ethers and introduce quaternary ammonium salts, typically via reactions with epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (EPTAC). This process sticks positively charged trimethylammonium groups onto the cellulose backbone. As a result, the polymer attracts and binds to anionic sites, explaining why it works so well as an anti-static and conditioning agent in hair and skin applications. The molecular architecture (cellulose core with charge groups sticking outwards) helps it stay on surfaces even during rinsing, which is no small thing in cosmetics, where most conditioners just wash away. Chemical stability holds up across a wide pH range, so Polyquaternium-10 resists breakdown whether the formula is acid or base-heavy.
Safety data shows Polyquaternium-10 is low in toxicity. Acute oral and dermal toxicity rates read as non-hazardous by global regulatory agencies, and allergic responses remain rare. That said, dust can still irritate the eyes and lungs if someone isn’t wearing standard PPE on the line, so production managers stress the importance of gloves, goggles, and dust masks. Documentation from EPA and REACH studies confirms this polymer, when washed down the drain, breaks down by normal wastewater treatment and poses minimal risk to mammals or aquatic systems. That makes it a rare example of a high-volume chemical that doesn't threaten water quality in most uses. Waste disposal rarely requires special arrangements; used containers can be rinsed and sent for regular recycling or incineration, so long as local guidelines are met.
Cellulose, from sources like cotton linters and wood pulp, provides the backbone for Polyquaternium-10. Suppliers who operate in regions with strong forest management guidelines drive sustainability efforts in this supply chain, reducing pressure on old-growth forests. Quaternized derivatives result from controlled chlorination and etherification steps; these intermediary substances do not reach consumer products, but their traceability remains important for regulatory and ethical sourcing. Producers in the US, Europe, and Asia have faced increased attention on their raw material handling, spurring better tracking and transparency efforts, which matter to brands aiming for clean and ethical product labels. In my own sourcing work, I discovered suppliers working with FSC-certified cellulose achieve higher acceptance rates during client audits—not just for regulatory compliance, but for actual reassurance about environmental impact and supply chain stewardship.
Formulators know Polyquaternium-10 delivers reliable slip, detangling, and conditioning, but blending challenges show up, especially in cold manufacturing processes or at high concentrations. Lumps can form unless technicians follow a slow, controlled addition protocol and use mixing at the right RPM. Experienced operators usually pre-wet the flakes in warm water or blend slowly into low-shear mixers, which improves dispersion and shortens processing times. Cloudiness in finished products can come from using grades with too high a molecular weight in clear gels or solutions, indicating a need to match the polymer grade to the end product's target appearance. It also tends to interact with anionic surfactants, which can alter foam properties in shampoos unless balanced carefully with other ingredients like amphoterics. My advice: invest time on bench-top scale trials, adjusting pH and surfactant blend, before committing to a full production run.
Market research points to rising demand for Polyquaternium-10 as consumers look for gentle, plant-derived, yet high-performing conditioning agents. Major brands push for transparent ingredient sourcing and low residue, which this polymer suits well. Version upgrades and raw material transparency matter more every year, especially as both regulatory authorities and consumers scrutinize supply chains. In markets like North America and Europe, suppliers face mounting questions about environmental footprint and consumer safety, prompting better tracking of origin and rigorous safety documentation. From years in product development, I saw projects fast-tracked if ingredient traceability could be demonstrated at audit, while poor documentation was enough to block or delay launches in competitive categories. These industry shifts mean Polyquaternium-10 producers and buyers alike must invest in traceability and communication.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 3402.90 |
| Form | Powder, flakes, pearls, liquid solution |
| Molecular Formula | C27H54NO12 (common repeating unit) |
| Density | 0.3 - 0.6 g/cm3 (bulk) |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Hazardous | No (for approved cosmetic use) |
| Raw Materials | Cellulose (plant fiber), EPTAC, water |
| Certifications | REACH, FDA GRAS (case-by-case), FSC (optional) |
