Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) Powder
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INCI Name:
Polyquaternium-10
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Chemical Name:
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Quaternized with Epoxypropyl Trimethylammonium Chloride
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CAS Number:
68610-92-4
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Appearance:
White to off-white free-flowing powder
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Chemical Type:
Cationic Conditioning Polymer
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Suitable For:
Shampoos, Hair Conditioners, Body Washes, Face Cleansers, Hair Masks, and Leave-in Hair Treatments
Key Benefits:
- Provides excellent conditioning and detangling
- Improves wet and dry combability
- Reduces frizz and static electricity
- Leaves hair soft, smooth, and silky
- Enhances hair shine without heavy buildup
- Helps protect hair from damage during washing
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in conditioning shampoos
- Ideal for hair conditioners and masks
- Improves hair softness and manageability
- Reduces hair breakage and tangling
- Suitable for sulfate and sulfate-free formulations
Recommended Usage Level:
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Shampoos: 0.1% – 0.5%
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Hair Conditioners: 0.2% – 1.0%
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Hair Masks: 0.2% – 1.0%
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Body Washes: 0.1% – 0.3%
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Leave-in Treatments: 0.1% – 0.5%
Formulation Tip: Slowly disperse PQ-10 into water with continuous stirring to avoid clumping. Allow it to fully hydrate before adding surfactants or other ingredients.
How It Works (Short):
- Deposits a lightweight cationic film on the hair surface
- Smooths the hair cuticle for easier combing
- Reduces friction to minimize hair breakage
- Improves softness, shine, and overall manageability
- Enhances the conditioning performance of shampoos
- Blends exceptionally well with Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), SLES, Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Aloe Vera Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, and Glycerin
Key Benefits for Hair Care Formulations:
- Premium conditioning polymer
- Excellent detangling performance
- Long-lasting softness and shine
- Reduces static and flyaways
- Improves the feel of rinse-off products
FAQs:
Q: What is Polyquaternium-10 used for?
A: Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning polymer used in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes to improve softness, detangling, shine, and hair manageability.
Q: Is Polyquaternium-10 suitable for sulfate-free shampoos?
A: Yes. It is compatible with both sulfate-free and conventional shampoo formulations.
Q: How should PQ-10 Powder be added to a shampoo formulation?
A: Disperse it slowly into water with good agitation and allow it to hydrate completely before incorporating surfactants and the remaining ingredients.
Q: Will Polyquaternium-10 make hair greasy?
A: No. At recommended levels, it provides lightweight conditioning without leaving hair oily or heavy.
Q: What ingredients work well with Polyquaternium-10?
A: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), SLES, Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), BRB 1018 Silicone Conditioner, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-47, Panthenol, Aloe Vera Extract, Hydrolyzed Proteins, and Glycerin.
