AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400

Multi-Functional Cationic Polymer for Conditioning, Thickening & Anti-Static Control

INCI Name: Polyquaternium-10

AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400 is a highly effective, water-soluble conditioning agent based on the popular Polyquaternium-10 polymer. It is prized in hair care for its ability to reduce static and frizz, improve wet and dry combing, and leave hair feeling soft and manageable without heavy buildup. This versatile powder also provides light thickening to formulas, making it an ideal multi-functional ingredient for 2-in-1 shampoos, conditioners, and body washes.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoos

Provides effective conditioning and detangling from a cleansing formula, leaving hair soft and manageable in a single step.
Rinse-Off Hair Conditioners

Dramatically improves slip and wet combability, making it easier to detangle hair while reducing breakage and static after drying.
Leave-In Treatments & Detanglers

Forms a lightweight, non-greasy film on the hair to control frizz, protect from environmental damage, and provide all-day manageability.
Hair Styling Products

Offers a soft, flexible hold and smooth feel in mousses, gels, and creams, preventing stiffness and enhancing hair's natural texture.
Conditioning Body Washes

Deposits a light conditioning layer onto the skin, leaving it feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated immediately after rinsing.
Shaving Creams & Gels

Improves razor glide and provides a smooth, comfortable post-shave skin feel by leaving behind a protective, lubricating film.

How to Use AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400 in Your Formulations

Understanding AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400

AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400 is a true workhorse in hair care formulation. Think of it as a magnet for damaged hair. Hair, especially when damaged, carries a negative electrical charge. This ingredient has a positive charge (making it cationic), so it’s naturally attracted to the hair shaft where it deposits a thin, conditioning film. This process is called substantivity—it means the ingredient adheres to the hair even after rinsing, where it can continue to provide benefits.

This conditioning film smooths the hair cuticle, which makes hair feel softer, look shinier, and detangle more easily, both wet and dry. It also neutralizes static charges, which is key to taming flyaways and frizz. Beyond conditioning, it acts as a light thickener, helping you build viscosity in shampoos and body washes for a richer, more luxurious texture. The LR400 grade indicates a low-to-moderate viscosity and conditioning effect, making it ideal for a wide range of applications without weighing hair down.

Formulation Tips

Recommended usage is 0.1% to 1%. For standard shampoos or light conditioners, start at 0.2–0.5%. For intensive conditioning treatments or detangling sprays, increase up to 1%.

Proper dispersion in water is essential. As a fine powder, it can form clumps or “fisheyes” if added too quickly. To avoid this, slowly sprinkle the powder into the vortex of your water phase while mixing continuously. Adding to room-temperature water is fine; gentle warming to about 40°C (104°F) can speed hydration. For best results, fully dissolve it in water before adding surfactants.

Pro tip: Create a slurry by pre-mixing the powder with a small amount of glycerin or propanediol to pre-wet the polymer. Then add the slurry to the water phase for smooth hydration and lump-free incorporation. It is compatible with most non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants; take care with high levels of anionic surfactants, which can sometimes cause haze or reduced clarity.

Key Performance Benefits:

Superior Detangling & Combability: Noticeably improves slip so combs and brushes glide through wet and dry hair, reducing friction and breakage.
Effective Anti-Static & Frizz Control: The cationic charge neutralizes static, calming flyaways and smoothing frizz for a polished look—even in humidity.
Lightweight Conditioning: Delivers a soft, silky feel without heavy buildup, ideal for fine to normal hair types.
Multi-Functional Performance: Conditions and lightly thickens, simplifying formulas and enhancing the sensory profile of cleansing products.
Enhanced Skin Feel: In body washes and cleansers, leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized after rinsing.
Easy to Use: Water-soluble powder that can be dispersed at room temperature, suitable for hot- or cold-process systems.

Heading #1
Benefits	Detangling, Frizz Control, Hair Care Benefits, Hold & Style Retention, Smooth Spreadability, Texture & Sensory
INCI Name	Polyquaternium-10
Usage Rate	0.1%-1%
Functional Type	Cationic Conditioning Agents, Conditioning Agents, Film Formers & Fixatives, Hair Fixative Polymers, Thickeners & Rheology Modifiers
Phase Compatibility	Water Phase
Application Area	Body, Hair, Scalp
Product Type Suitability	Bath Products, Cleansers, Conditioners, Hair Styling, Shampoos
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan
Physical Form	Powder

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessQUAT PQ-10LR400

It acts as a conditioning agent. It makes hair feel smoother and softer, improves wet and dry combing, reduces static and flyaways, and adds light thickening to your formula.

A good starting point is 0.2% to 0.5% of total formula weight. For more intense conditioning (deep conditioners or detangling sprays), use up to 1%.

SLOWLY sprinkle the powder into the vortex of your water phase while mixing. For best results, pre-wet with a little glycerin or propanediol to form a smooth slurry, then add the slurry to water for lump-free hydration.

Add it to the water phase at the start. Ensure it is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients, especially your primary surfactants.

Yes. It works well in conditioning body washes, hand soaps, and shaving creams, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft after rinsing.

It is a nature-derived synthetic polymer. It starts from plant-derived cellulose and is modified to provide strong, consistent conditioning performance.

The LR400 grade provides light-to-moderate conditioning. At 0.2–0.5%, it delivers noticeable benefits without heavy buildup, making it suitable for fine hair.

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