Hydrogenated tallow betaine, a quaternary ammonium compound derived from hardened beef tallow, is used in cosmetic formulations. Hydrogenated tallow betaine acts as surfactant (washing-active substance), hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume), antistatic agent (acts antistatic = reduces static charges by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface of skin and hair), foaming agent and viscosity regulator (increases or reduces the viscosity of cosmetic products).