At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about polyquaternium-10. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Polyquaternium-10 is cellulose given a positive charge. In ORY® products, it conditions hair with a light, clean feel and adds a soft film in cleansers and cosmetics. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that polyquaternium-10 is safe as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by reacting hydroxyethylcellulose (from wood pulp or cotton) with a quaternary compound. Grades differ in charge and molecular weight. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Polyquaternium-10 suits all skin types. |
Verification: Supported. It is a formulation ingredient that improves cleanser feel.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: Safety data.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, polyquaternium-10 helps hair detangle, feel smooth, and stay manageable with little buildup. |
Verification: Supported. In shampoos, cationic polymers and surfactants form a complex (coacervate) that deposits on hair as the product is diluted during rinsing.
Citations:
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Review of conditioning polymers.
- Goddard, E. D. (2002). Polymer/surfactant interaction: Interfacial aspects. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 256(1), 228–235. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.2001.8066
- What it shows: Polymer–surfactant interaction.
- Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair (5th ed.). Springer (reference book). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0
- What it shows: Reference text.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
5. Benefits
Claim: Polyquaternium-10 improves combing, reduces static, and adds body to fine hair. |
Verification: Supported. These are cosmetic conditioning and feel effects.
Citations:
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Conditioning.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Polyquaternium-10 is used in ORY® Haircare, cleansers, cosmetics, and liquid and syndet soap. |
Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.1–0.3% | Cleansers, shaving products, and light lotions. |
| Haircare | 0.1–0.5% shampoo; 0.2–1% leave-on | Shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and styling products. |
| Handmade Soap line | 0.2–1% | Liquid soap, syndet bars, and shampoo bars (not cold-process bars). |
| Cosmetics | 0.1–0.5% | Mascaras, brow gels, and setting sprays. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
7. Pros
Claim: A light, low-buildup conditioning polymer with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by hair science and CIR review.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Performance.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
8. Cons
Claim: Polyquaternium-10 needs careful mixing and is not natural-certified. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Mixing. Add slowly to avoid lumps.
- Buildup at high levels.
- Not COSMOS-approved.
- Not for cold-process soap.
Citations:
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- What it shows: Buildup.
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: Polyquaternium-10 is used in liquid soap, syndet bars, and shampoo bars, not in cold-process soap. Syndet and shampoo bars are cosmetics under FDA rules.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of polyquaternium-10. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 335–351. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Goddard, E. D. (2002). Polymer/surfactant interaction: Interfacial aspects. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 256(1), 228–235. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.2001.8066
- Hössel, P., Dieing, R., Nörenberg, R., Pfau, A., & Sander, R. (2000). Conditioning polymers in today’s shampoo formulations – efficacy, mechanism and test methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 22(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00003.x
- Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair (5th ed.). Springer (reference book). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
