Quaternium-87 (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. The compound contains a mixture of saturated and unsaturated C9-C19 alkyl compounds in the side chain of the quaternary ammonium compound.

Quaternium-87 is used in cosmetic formulations. The mixture acts as a hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume) and as a surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of the products during application).