Quaternium-81 (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. 9-octadecenoic acid refers to the unsaturated oleic acid (omega fatty acid) in the side chain of the quaternary ammonium compound.

Quaternium-81 is used in cosmetic formulations. The mixture acts as an antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface of e.g. hair), skin care and hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume).