A quaternary ammonium compound from tallow, used as an antistatic and hair-conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Quaternium-16 is, according to CosIng, a mixture of tris(hydroxyethyl) tallow-alkyl ammonium chlorides, a quaternary ammonium compound with alkyl chains derived from tallow fatty acids. CosIng lists it as an antistatic and hair-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.