Polyquaternium-10 is a white granular powder with a characteristic amine odor. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is used mainly in the formulation of hair care products, lotions and makeup.
The safety of Polyquaternium-10 has been assessed by the
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Polyquaternium-10 was safe as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2005, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on Polyquaternium-10 and reaffirmed the above conclusion.CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed toxicity studies which indicated that Polyquaternium-10 has a low order of toxicity. Skin penetration studies indicated that Polyquaternium-10 adhered to keratin tissue and was poorly absorbed. Studies using 5.0% Polyquaternium-10 indicated that this ingredient was at most only mildly irritating to the skin or eyes, and studies with 2.0% Polyquaternium-10 indicated that this ingredient was neither an irritant nor a sensitizer. Similar negative results were obtained from product formulations containing Polyquaternium-10; including data indicating that this ingredient was not a photosensitizer. Polyquaternium-10 was not found to be genotoxic.
Polyquaternium-10 may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the
general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...