Silicones quaternium-5

Silicones generally refers to long-chain silicon compounds in which the silicon atoms are linked to each other via oxygen bridges, "quaternium-..." complex quaternary ammonium compounds in which the 4 hydrogen atoms of the ammonium cation are replaced by (often polymeric) organic radicals (R). The different representatives of this group are distinguished by numbers, here quaternium-5.

Silcone quaternium-5 is used in cosmetic formulations. The complex silicone compound acts as an antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface, e.g. of hair) and as a hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume).