Ingredient Dictionary/polyquaternium-10/POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Tier 1 Monograph · SSOT 15 FieldsRaw .md (GEO) ↗
Synthetic

POLYQUATERNIUM-10

AntistaticFilm Forming
[EU CosIng Official Definition] Cellulose, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propoxy)ethyl ether, chloride; Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propoxy]ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether, chloride Cellulose, ether with alpha-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), chloride
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR

What is POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (CAS 81859-24-7) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?

POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (CAS No. 81859-24-7) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Antistatic, Film Forming in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Unregulated) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Unregulated) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.2–0.6% within an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.

7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix

Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation
7-Track Official Statutory Label Names for POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Jurisdiction TrackOfficial Statutory Label NameOne-Click Copy
1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name)POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (KR MFDS Registered)
2. Korea Former Nomenclature History——
3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary)POLYQUATERNIUM-10
4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI)POLYQUATERNIUM-10
5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name— (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC)—
6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name)聚季铵盐-10
7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug)POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (Standard INCI Reference)

Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions

Layer 1 Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions for POLYQUATERNIUM-10
RegionStatusMax LimitConditions & Statutory Source
Korea (MFDS)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
Europe (EU)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
United States (FDA)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
China (NMPA)Listed / AllowedGMPIECIC Entry #3906
Japan (MHLW)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
ASEAN (ACD)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Interactive Quartile Box-Plot (Min–Q1–Median–Q3–Max)

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit

Rinse-off Cleansern=19
Min 0.2% · Q1 0.2% · Median 0.25% · Q3 0.3% · Max 0.6%
Rinse-off Cleanser — Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifier
Verified Source: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=19, EVONIK 17 · ELEMENTIS 1 · SEPPIC 1) (cir_safety) · EVONIK 17 · ELEMENTIS 1 · SEPPIC 1
Typical Median: 0.25%

Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Quartiles by Product Category for POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Formulation GroupMin – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%)Role & MechanismSource ID
Group C — Rinse-Off Cleanser / Shampoo / Body Wash0.2% · 0.2% · 0.25% · 0.3% · 0.6%Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifierGlobal Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=19, EVONIK 17 · ELEMENTIS 1 · SEPPIC 1)
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: Macro/Complex · LogP: N/A

Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery

Stratum Corneum (Brick & Mortar Barrier · 10–20 µm)500 Da Molecular Weight Cutoff BarrierViable Epidermis (Keratinocytes & Melanocytes · 50–100 µm)Target for Brightening (Tyrosinase/Melanosome) & Barrier LipidsPapillary Dermis (Fibroblasts & ECM Collagen · 150–300 µm)Target for Collagen I/III Synthesis, Peptides, PDRN & ExosomesEpidermal Passive Permeation (<500 Da)
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (320 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible

Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.

Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability

pH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior

Water or glycol phase soluble/dispersible
Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.0 – 8.0
0245.5791114

Outside pH 4–8, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.

Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 50°C
25°C45°C60°C75°C85°C100°C

Thermally stable up to 50°C during standard emulsification.

HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
W/O (3–6)Lamellar (8–10.5)O/W Emulsion (11–15)Solubilizer (15–19)O/W Droplet
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway

Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow

1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→
TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣
Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis
Formulation Ontology Radial Graph

Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)

+ GLYCERIN+ CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TR…+ TOCOPHEROL✕ Verify phase compati…POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Interactive Node Guide

Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.

Nominative Trade Name References (Trademark Act Art. 90(1)(2))
POLYQUATERNIUM-10

Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Academic & Toxicological Synthesis

Tier 1 Synthesis

Synthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.

■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature] - INCI Name: POLYQUATERNIUM-10 | CAS No.: 81859-24-7 | EC No.: 617-262-2 - Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: , - Physicochemical Profile: Formula | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | / | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS - Official Regional Label Names: US [POLYQUATERNIUM-10] · EU [POLYQUATERNIUM-10] · CN [聚季铵盐-10] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-] ■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role] - Cellulose, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propoxy)ethyl ether, chloride; Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propoxy]ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether, chloride Cellulose, ether with alpha-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), chloride Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver , performance and structural formulation stability. ■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)] - Regional Summary: KR: NONE | EU: NONE | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 3906 (聚季铵盐-10)) - No specific Annex prohibition or numeric restriction across the 6 major jurisdictions (Permitted under general GMP safety assessment). - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): Quantum satis (QS) within standard cosmetic safety margins ■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)] - [cleanser_rinse] Typical range: 0.2 ~ 0.6% (Median 0.25%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=19, EVONIK 17 · ELEMENTIS 1 · SEPPIC 1)) — Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifier ■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)] - Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C) - Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM - Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads - Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: POLYQUATERNIUM-10 ■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence] - PMID 25631258 (2015, J Mater Sci Mater Med): Ocular biocompatibility of polyquaternium 10 gel: functional and morphological results. - PMID 28018490 (2016, Anal Methods): Detecting Levels of Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) via Potentiometric Titration with Dextran Sulphate and Monitoring the Equi - PMID 39322171 (2024, Int J Biol Macromol): Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils/polyquaternium stabilized ultra-fine silver nanoparticles for synergistic antibacterial

Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (3)

Ocular biocompatibility of polyquaternium 10 gel: functional and morphological results. [PMID: 25631258 · 2015]
Alasino RV, Garcia LG, Gramajo AL, Pusterla JP, Beltramo DM, Luna JD · J Mater Sci Mater Med (2015)

This paper deals with the characterization study of topical and intraocular biocompatibility and toxicity of cationic hydroxyethylcellulose Polyquaternium 10 (PQ10). It also evaluates the rheological properties of gels. The cytotoxicity assays were done in two cell lines: HEp-2 and VERO (human larynx epidermoid carcinoma cell and African green monkey kidney cells respectively). For the in vivo study, New Zealand albino rabbits were used. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of PQ10 shows no statistically significant differences in relation to the control of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in any of the cell lines used in this study. Similarly, the signs of inflammation observed after treatment showed no significant difference between the groups of animals treated with the polymer compared to the control group. Normal histological characteristics were seen in both groups with no histological inflammatory reaction. After 1 month of the intracameral application of 2% PQ10 (treatment group) or 0.3% HPMC (control group), electroretinograms showed similar levels of a- and b-waves latencies and amplitude. In summary, PQ10 gel was well tolerated in these experiments, with proper monitoring, it could stand as a new alternative in the development of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices.

Detecting Levels of Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) via Potentiometric Titration with Dextran Sulphate and Monitoring the Equivalence Point with a Polymeric Membrane-Based Polyion Sensor. [PMID: 28018490 · 2016]
Ferguson SA, Wang X, Meyerhoff ME · Anal Methods (2016)

Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts (polyquaterniums) have found increasing use in industrial and cosmetic applications in recent years. More specifically, polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is routinely used in cosmetic applications as a conditioner in personal care product formulations. Herein, we demonstrate the use of potentiometric polyion-sensitive polymeric membrane-based electrodes to quantify PQ-10 levels. Mixtures containing both PQ-10 and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are used as model samples to illustrate this new method. SLS is often present in cosmetic samples that contain PQ-10 (e.g., shampoos, etc.) and this surfactant species interferes with the polyion sensor detection chemistry. However, it is shown here that SLS can be readily separated from the PQ-10/SLS mixture by use of an anion-exchange resin and that the PQ-10 can then be titrated with dextran sulphate (DS). This titration is monitored by potentiometric polyanion sensors to provide equivalence points that are directly proportional to PQ-10 concentrations.

Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils/polyquaternium stabilized ultra-fine silver nanoparticles for synergistic antibacterial therapy. [PMID: 39322171 · 2024]
Gollapudi KK, Dutta SD, Adnan M, Taylor ML, Reddy KVNS, Alle M, Huang X · Int J Biol Macromol (2024)

Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils (DACNF) and Polyquaternium-10 (PQ: chloro-2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylamino) propyl polyethylene glycol cellulose) have become increasingly favored as antibacterial substances due to their advantageous characteristics. DACNF exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, whereas PQ demonstrates a positive charge that enhances its antibacterial activity. Combined in a DACNF/PQ mixture, they provide an excellent template material for preparing and stabilizing ultra-fine (~ 10.3&#xa0;nm) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at room temperature. Here, the dialdehyde group of DACNF functions as a reducing agent, while the quaternary ammonium of PQ and carboxylate groups of DACNF synergistically helped in-situ generation of AgNPs uniformly. The synthesized nanocomposites, namely PQ@AgNPs, AgNPs@DACNF, and AgNPs@DACNF/PQ, were subjected to comprehensive characterization using various advanced analytical techniques. The films containing AgNPs@DACNF and AgNPs@DACNF/PQ, fabricated via vacuum filtration, exhibited excellent mechanical properties of 9.78&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.21&#xa0;MPa, and demonstrated superior antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the silver ion leaching from the prepared composite films was well controlled. The fabricated nanocomposites also effectively inhibited bacterial biofilm formation. It was also found to be highly biocompatible and non-toxic to human skin fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibited enhanced migration of human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting their potential in facilitating wound healing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)

Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for POLYQUATERNIUM-10?
Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'POLYQUATERNIUM-10', EU CosIng: 'POLYQUATERNIUM-10', KR MFDS: 'POLYQUATERNIUM-10 (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '聚季铵盐-10', and JP JCIA: 'POLYQUATERNIUM-10'.
Q2. Is POLYQUATERNIUM-10 restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: none, EU: none, US: none, CN: allowed, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for POLYQUATERNIUM-10?
In cleanser_rinse systems, POLYQUATERNIUM-10 is typically formulated between 0.2% and 0.6% (median 0.25%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for POLYQUATERNIUM-10?
Recommended synergy pairings include GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads.