| abstract |
A hair care composition having good conditioning properties, yet having low aqueous toxicity and good biodegradability, comprises an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound represented by the formula: <see fig.I> wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 8; R1, R2 and R3 are each independently an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a benzyl group; each R4 and each of R5 and R6 are independently selected from -H, -OH, <see fig.II> , <see fig.III> or <see fig.IV> wherein R7 is a linear or branched long chain alkyl or alkenyl group containing from 8 to 28 carbon atoms; X~ is a water soluble anion; with the proviso that at least two of the groups selected from any R4, R5 and R6 are other than -H or -OH. The ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound is preferably a di-ester-linked quaternary ammonium salt having two ester-linked linear or branched long chain fatty acid groups. |