What it is
Polyquaternium-10 is a cellulose derivative carrying positive (cationic) charges, made by quaternizing hydroxyethylcellulose. The positive charge lets it adsorb to skin and hair, where it forms a light conditioning film that improves smoothness, softens feel, and reduces static. In sunscreens and lotions it can also help with texture and the even deposition of the formula.
Safety & warnings
Polyquaternium-10 is widely used and generally well tolerated, with low irritation potential in leave-on and rinse-off products.
Origin & sourcing
A semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, a plant-based material, that is chemically modified with quaternary ammonium groups.
Questions everyone asks
Why is polyquaternium-10 positively charged?
It is quaternized, giving it cationic groups that let it bind to negatively charged skin and hair surfaces to form a conditioning film.
Is it derived from plants?
Its backbone is cellulose, a plant-based material, which is then chemically modified to add its conditioning charge.