Ingredient deep-dive
Polyquaternium-10: Is It a Microplastic?
Cellulose-derived cationic conditioning polymer. Notable because its backbone is modified cellulose, making it partly plant-derived rather than fully petrochemical.
Where it appears
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- 2-in-1 products
- Body wash
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted; water-soluble.
United States
No federal restriction.
Cleaner alternatives
- Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
- Behentrimonium methosulfate
Use the app
Scan any product for Polyquaternium-10 in 5 seconds
The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.
Download on the App StorePolyquaternium-10, common questions
Is Polyquaternium-10 a microplastic?
Is Polyquaternium-10 banned?
What can I use instead of Polyquaternium-10?
What products contain Polyquaternium-10?
Related ingredients
Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern
Synthetic film-forming plastic used widely in makeup, sunscreens, and hair fixatives.
Read moreAcrylates Crosspolymer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer · High concern
Cross-linked acrylic polymer thickener. Same plastic family as Acrylates Copolymer.
Read moreCarbomer
Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern
Cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickener. Synthetic polymer, though much smaller particles than microbeads.
Read morePolyacrylate
Acrylate / vinyl polymer · Medium concern
Polymer thickener / absorbent. Plastic family used in absorbent gels and lotions.
Read more