Quaternium-96 (inci)

Quaternium (see also Polyquaternium) refers to complex quaternary ammonium compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds, also called quats, have quaternary nitrogen atoms, i.e. all four hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ion (nitrogen atom) are replaced by organic residues. The compounds are therefore cationic, i.e. they have a positive charge.

Quaternium-96 is used in cosmetic formulations. The mixture acts as a hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easier to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume) and as a UV absorber (protects the cosmetic product from damage by UV light).