Polyquaternium 10

Polyquaternium-10 (CAS 81859-24-7) is a cationic cellulose-derived polymer used across personal care and industrial formulations for its conditioning and film-forming properties. It deposits a substantive coating on negatively charged surfaces. This coating improves texture, manageability, and moisture retention on hair and skin. Formulators source it primarily as a rheology modifier and conditioning agent in both rinse-off and leave-on systems for various applications.

In hair care, it is incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to reduce static and improve combability. It provides a smooth, detangled finish after rinsing, making it a staple in professional hair care lines. Skin care formulators use it in lotions and body washes to deliver a soft, moisturized feel without heavy residue. It enhances the sensory profile of the product while maintaining a lightweight feel on the skin surface.

In textile processing, it functions as a surface modifier to improve fiber softness and antistatic performance during finishing operations. This versatility makes it valuable for industrial applications beyond personal care products. Home care and industrial cleaning products use it to modify viscosity and enhance surface wetting in liquid formulations. It ensures consistent performance and stability in a wide range of household and commercial cleaners.

The material is supplied as a white to off-white powder or granule. It is available in multiple grades differentiated by charge density and molecular weight, which directly affect conditioning intensity and viscosity contribution. Cosmetic-grade material conforming to standard industry specifications is the most commonly traded form. These grades ensure high purity and performance reliability for manufacturers seeking consistent results in their final formulations.