Cosmetic formulation comprises (a) 0.2-25 wt.% at least one esterquat compound (I), (b) 40-99.8 wt.% water, and optionally (c) 0-8 wt.% esterquat compounds (Ia). (I) amounts to at least 30 wt.%, based on all (I) and (Ia) present in the formulation. Cosmetic formulation comprises (a) 0.2-25 wt.% at least one esterquat compound of formula (I), (b) 40-99.8 wt.% water, and optionally (c) 0-8 wt.% esterquat compounds of formula (Ia). (I) amounts to at least 30 wt.%, based on all (I) and (Ia) present in the formulation. R1 : acyl group of monounsaturated fatty acid having 18-24 carbon atoms or acyl group of isostearic acid or ricinoleic acid; R2 : 1-6C alkyl; either a, b : 1-3; or a+b : 4; and R11 : acyl group of carboxylic acid different from carboxylic acid of R1. [Image].