Polyquaternium-10

Polyquaternium-10 molecular structure

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Polyquaternium 10?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Polyquaternium 10 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults (grown-ups), polyquaternium-10 is usually safe to use in shampoos, conditioners and skin products. At the low levels used in cosmetics it is very unlikely to cause harm for most people.

✅What to Do

Use products that list this ingredient as directed. If you have sensitive skin, do a small patch test on your arm before regular use. Avoid applying to open cuts, sores, or badly broken skin. If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding and feel concerned, you can choose products without quaternary ammonium-type ingredients as a precaution.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or signs of an allergic reaction (redness, itching, swelling). Note that industry reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) recommend limits on how much is used in products and point out gaps in safety data. Some animal studies on related quaternary ammonium disinfectants reported reproductive effects (examples: studies from 2014 and 2015) and a 2016 study linked some quaternary ammonium compounds to effects on cholesterol-related pathways; a 2021 study showed neurodevelopment effects for certain disinfectant quaternary ammonium compounds in lab models. Environment Canada and the European Chemicals Agency have noted limited or uncertain environmental toxicity. These sources refer to related quaternary ammonium compounds and higher exposures than common cosmetic use, but they are worth knowing about if you have concerns.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Some safety reviews and recent toxicology reports flag possible harm to non-reproductive organs after repeated exposure. A government assessment lists mixed findings (some data say low risk, other studies show altered toxicological endpoints in people exposed to similar quaternary ammonium compounds), so there is a real but uncertain risk to organs like the liver or kidneys with repeated use.
Fertility: Animal studies on related quaternary ammonium compounds showed reduced fertility and effects on male and female reproductive processes at moderate doses. Because similar chemistry is present here, there is a real risk to future fertility based on those animal findings.
Environmental: Government environmental agencies note uncertain but possible toxicity to the environment and limited evidence of harm in ecotoxicology reviews. This ingredient may pose environmental risks until more data are available.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Polyquaternium-10

This ingredient may also be listed as:

polyquaternium10polyquaternium-10poliquaternium-10polyquaternium 10CHLORIDE CELLULOSE, 2-[2-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPOXY]ETHYL ETHERCHLORIDE CELLULOSE, 2-HYDROXYETHYL 2-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL ETHERCHLORIDE CELLULOSE, 2-HYDROXYETHYL 23-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL ETHER2-[2-HYDROXY-3-TRIMETHYLAMMONO)PROPOXY] ETHYL ETHER CHLORIDE CELLULOSE2-HYDROXYETHYL 23-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL ETHER CHLORIDE CELLULOSE2-HYDROXYETHYL 2-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL ETHER CHLORIDE CELLULOSE2-[2-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPOXY]ETHYL ETHER CHLORIDE CELLULOSEPOLYQAUTERNIUM-10CELLULOSE, ETHER WITH .ALPHA.-[2-HYDROXY-3-(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL]-.OMEGA.-HYDROXYPOLY(OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) CHLORIDECELLULOSE, ETHER WITH [2HYDROXY3(TRIMETHYLAMMONIO)PROPYL] HYDROXYPOLY(OXY1,2ETHANEDIYL) CHLORIDEPOLYQUATERNIUM-10

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Polyquaternium-10

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Polyquaternium-10 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Polyquaternium-10

Is this safe for adults to use Polyquaternium-10?

Yes, Polyquaternium-10 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Polyquaternium-10 for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the fertility risks of Polyquaternium-10 for adults?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

What are the environmental risks of Polyquaternium-10 for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Polyquaternium-10?

Polyquaternium-10 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Polyquaternium-10?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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