AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400

Cationic Conditioning Polymer for Hair & Skin Care

INCI Name: Polyquaternium-10

AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400 is a multi-functional, cellulose-derived conditioning polymer (Polyquaternium-10) that delivers superior detangling, anti-static control, and a soft, lightweight feel. It also provides light thickening and film-forming benefits, enhancing texture and foam quality in shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and lotions without heavy buildup.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Conditioning Shampoos (2-in-1)

Deposits a light conditioning film for improved wet combing and softness while maintaining effective cleansing and creamy foam.
Rinse-Off Hair Conditioners

Provides excellent detangling, reduces frizz, and enhances shine without heaviness, improving overall hair manageability.
Leave-In Detangling Sprays

Forms a lightweight, non-greasy film that eases combing, minimizes breakage, and controls static throughout the day.
Hair Gels & Styling Products

Acts as a conditioning film former to improve feel and reduce stiffness while supporting light hold and frizz control.
Facial & Body Cleansers

Softens after-feel and supports richer, creamier foam, helping reduce the perception of dryness post-rinse.
Body Lotions & Creams

Improves spreadability and leaves a soft, conditioned skin feel with low tack while contributing light viscosity build.

How to Use AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400 in Your Formulations

Understanding AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400

AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400 is a versatile conditioning polymer that makes hair feel soft, smooth, and easy to comb. Think of it like a gentle, lightweight “smoothing coat” that clings where hair needs it most to reduce tangles and frizz without weighing it down.

For formulators, AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400 is a cationic, cellulose-derived polymer (INCI: Polyquaternium-10). Its positive charge gives it strong substantivity to hair and skin, improving wet combability, manageability, and anti-static performance. It also acts as a film former and provides light thickening, enhancing texture and sensory feel in shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and lotions. It is broadly compatible and helps boost foam creaminess in cleansing systems.

Formulation Tips

Typical use level is 0.2% to 2.0%. Use 0.2–0.5% for light conditioning in shampoos, body washes, and leave-in sprays; use 0.5–2.0% for richer conditioners, masks, and treatments.

To incorporate, pre-disperse the powder in glycerin or a small portion of water to prevent clumping (“fish eyes”), then add to the main water phase with good agitation. Alternatively, sprinkle slowly into a strong vortex of water. Gentle heat can accelerate hydration. It is compatible with most anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants; as with any cationic polymer in high-anionic systems, finalize with bench stability testing. It performs well across pH ~4–7, common to hair and skin care.

Key Formulation Benefits:

Superior Detangling & Wet Comb: Improves manageability and reduces breakage during wet combing.
Anti-Static & Frizz Control: Forms a smooth, substantive film that minimizes flyaways and frizz.
Lightweight Conditioning: Delivers softness without heaviness or buildup—ideal for fine to medium hair.
Dual-Action Thickening: Contributes to viscosity and richer texture in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
Enhances Foam Quality: Supports creamier, denser foam in cleansing systems for a premium feel.
Naturally Derived Backbone: Cellulose-derived polymer aligns with clean beauty preferences.

Heading #1
Benefits	Clean & Natural, Detangling, Formulation Versatility, Frizz Control, Hair Care Benefits, Lightweight Feel, Natural Derived, Smooth Spreadability, Texture & Sensory
INCI Name	Polyquaternium-10
Usage Rate	0.2%-2%
Functional Type	Cationic Conditioning Agents, Conditioning Agents, Natural Gums & Polysaccharides, Specialized Functional Ingredients, Thickeners & Rheology Modifiers
Phase Compatibility	Cool-Down Phase, Water Phase
Application Area	Body, Face, Hair, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Cleansers, Conditioners, Creams & Lotions, Gels, Hair Styling, Shampoos
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Naturally Derived, Vegan
Physical Form	Powder

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessQUAT PQ-10 J400

It is a conditioning polymer that improves wet combability, reduces static and frizz, and adds a soft, lightweight feel. It also provides light thickening and film-forming benefits.

Use 0.2–0.5% for light conditioning in shampoos, body washes, and leave-ins; use 0.5–2.0% for richer conditioners, masks, and treatments.

Pre-disperse the powder in glycerin or a small amount of water to form a smooth slurry, then add into the water phase with strong mixing. Alternatively, sprinkle slowly into a strong vortex of water. Gentle heat helps hydration.

Yes. It is ideal for conditioning shampoos and cleansers, improving foam quality and after-feel while enhancing detangling and softness.

It is derived from cellulose (a plant-based polymer) and then cationically modified to deliver conditioning performance.

No, it is known for lightweight conditioning and a soft finish, making it suitable for fine to medium hair when used as directed.

Both are cationic conditioners. Polyquaternium-10 is cellulose-derived and often imparts a soft, natural feel with light thickening, while Polyquaternium-7 is a different polymer that can deliver a slicker, high-slip feel depending on the system.

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