Polyquaternium-10 is a polymeric quaternary ammonium derivative of hydroxyethyl cellulose that is used in cosmetics as a conditioner, thickener, and emollient at concentrations of ≤0.1%–5%. Polyquaternium-10 has, at most, only a low potential to penetrate the stratum corneum but is adsorbed by keratinous surfaces. The oral LD50 of Polyquaternium-10 was not obtained at 16 g/kg in rats. Inhalation, dermal, and ocular animal test data indicated, at most, only a low degree of toxicity at test concentrations of Polyquaternium-10 greater than that used in cosmetic products. Polyquaternium-10 with and without metabolic activation was not a mutagen in three separate assay systems. Polyquaternium-10 was neither an irritant nor a human sensitizer when tested at 2.0%. Cosmetic products containing up to 1% Polyquaternium-10 were not human irritants, sensitizers, or photosensitizers. On the basis of the information presented, it is concluded that Polyquaternium-10 is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use.
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