Base Qs

This is not an INCI ingredient. This usually refers to the base of a product in cosmetic ingredients. Q.S. stands for Quantum satis, meaning “as much as needed” or “quantity sufficient.”

This ingredient is a blend of the portion of the formula required to achieve the proper texture, stability, or performance.

In some countries, such as India, manufacturers aren’t required to list every ingredient. As a result, some older brands use Q.S. as a catch-all term instead of disclosing the base composition.

This can make it harder for consumers to know what’s truly in the product. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about this ingredient.