Quaternium-18 bentonite (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. "tallow" denotes beef tallow, "bentonite" a mixture of various clay minerals and is characterised by its strong water absorption and swelling capacity.

Quaternium-18 bentonite is used in cosmetic formulations. The compound acts as a viscosity regulator (increases or decreases the viscosity (toughness) of cosmetic products).