AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000

Cationic Conditioning Polymer for Superior Detangling & Frizz Control

INCI Name: Polyquaternium-10

AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000 (Polyquaternium-10) is a highly substantive, water-soluble conditioning polymer that delivers outstanding detangling, frizz control, and a silky, lightweight feel. Ideal for shampoos, conditioners, masks, and gentle body cleansers, it improves wet/dry combability, reduces static, and subtly builds viscosity for richer, more elegant textures.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Conditioning Shampoos

Improves wet combability and reduces breakage right from the wash while contributing to a richer, more luxurious lather feel.
Rinse-Off & Leave-In Conditioners

Deposits a lightweight, flexible film for softness, frizz control, and enhanced manageability without buildup.
Hair Masks & Deep Treatments

Smooths the cuticle and enhances conditioning actives deposition for improved softness, shine, and strength feel.
Detangling Sprays

Creates lightweight leave-ins that minimize snags and ease comb-through on wet or dry hair across all types.
Body Washes & Facial Cleansers

Counteracts surfactant harshness to leave skin feeling soft and conditioned after rinsing.
Styling Gels & Creams

Provides anti-static benefits and a smoother glide with light control and improved style retention feel.

How to Use AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000 in Your Formulations

Understanding AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000

AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000 is a go-to conditioning polymer that makes hair feel soft, easy to comb, and smooth—without heaviness. Think of it like a gentle, invisible “comb helper” that reduces tangles and flyaways while adding a silky finish.

Technically speaking, it is Polyquaternium-10, a cationic (positively charged) derivative of hydroxyethylcellulose. Its positive charge is attracted to the negatively charged surface of hair and skin, a property known as substantivity. This allows it to deposit a thin, flexible film that improves wet/dry combability, controls static and frizz, enhances conditioning, and subtly builds viscosity in surfactant systems.

Formulation Tips

Typical use level is 0.2–2%. Use 0.2–0.8% for clear/light shampoos or mild cleansers, and 0.8–2% for rich conditioners, masks, or intensive detanglers.

AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000 is water-soluble but can clump if not dispersed properly. For best results, pre-disperse in a small amount of glycerin (or propylene glycol) to form a smooth slurry, then add to the water phase with good agitation. Alternatively, sprinkle slowly into a strong vortex of water while mixing. Hydrate fully before adding surfactants, salts, or electrolytes.

Processing notes: Suitable for cold or hot process. Stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges (about 4–8). Compatible with most surfactant systems, including anionic shampoos, to deliver conditioning and combability without heavy buildup.

Key Formulation Benefits:

Superior Detangling: Significantly improves wet and dry combability to reduce breakage.
Frizz & Static Control: Cationic film smooths the cuticle for sleeker, more manageable hair.
Lightweight Conditioning: Deposits where needed without weighing hair down.
Viscosity Contribution: Helps build body and richness in shampoos and conditioners.
Skin Conditioning: Leaves a soft, conditioned after-feel in body washes and facial cleansers.
Formulation Flexibility: Works across rinse-off and leave-in systems for hair and gentle cleansing products.

Heading #1
Benefits	Detangling, Formulation Versatility, Frizz Control, Hair Care Benefits, Texture & Sensory
INCI Name	Polyquaternium-10
Usage Rate	0.2%-2%
Functional Type	Cationic Conditioning Agents, Conditioning Agents, Specialized Functional Ingredients, Thickeners & Rheology Modifiers
Phase Compatibility	Water Phase
Application Area	Body, Face, Hair, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Cleansers, Conditioners, Creams & Lotions, Hair Styling, Masks & Treatments, Shampoos
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan
Physical Form	Powder

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessQUAT PQ-10 J3000

It conditions and detangles by depositing a thin, cationic film on hair and skin. Expect easier comb-through, reduced frizz and static, and a soft, silky finish.

Use 0.2–0.8% for light shampoos and cleansers; 0.8–2% for richer conditioners, masks, and intensive detanglers. A common starting point in shampoos is around 0.5%.

Pre-disperse the powder in glycerin to form a smooth slurry, then add to the water phase with good mixing. Alternatively, sprinkle very slowly into a strong water vortex while agitating to ensure even hydration.

Yes. Despite being cationic, Polyquaternium-10 is widely used in anionic surfactant systems to provide conditioning and improved combability.

It is best described as naturally derived. The backbone is cellulose (plant-derived) that is modified to carry a positive charge for effective conditioning performance.

Substantive means it is attracted to and deposits on hair or skin. Because hair carries a negative charge—especially when damaged—this cationic polymer is drawn to it for targeted conditioning.

It can contribute to viscosity and body, especially in surfactant systems, helping create richer textures without heavy waxes or gums.

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