Beauty Glossary (Q)

Beauty terms from Quaternary Ammonium to Quince Seeds

Quaternary Ammonium Salts (QUATS) ... Quaternary Ammonium Salts are Salt derivatives used in waterproof sunscreens because they impart cationic properties to compounds (reduce static electricity).

• QUATS chemically react with the skin, making lotions more water resistant.
• Certain quaternary ammonium compounds, especially those containing long alkyl chains, are used as antimicrobials and disinfectants. Examples are benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride. They are also good against fungi, amoeba, and enveloped viruses. QUATS act by disrupting the cell membrane.

Quaternium-15 ... Preservative used in cosmetics. Water soluble anti-microbial agent that fights bacteria. A quaternary ammonium salt.

• See Quaternary Ammonium Salts above.

Qnaternium-19 ... A preservative used in cosmetics than has anti-microbial benefits. A quaternary ammonium salt.

• See Quaternary Ammonium Salts above.

Quercetin ... Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruit. See Bioflavonoids.

Quince Seed ... A creamy, gummy plant-derived extract of the quince tree.

• Used in skin and hair care products as a treatment for dry, chapped hands or damaged hair.