This invention relates to non-hydrolyzable, non-irritating, hair, skin and textile substantive quaternary salts of p-dialkylaminobenzamides having the formula ##STR1## wherein R' and R" are each selected from the group of C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkyl; n is an integer having a value of from 2 to 3; R is an alkyl radical having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each selected from the group of C.sub.1 to C.sub.2 alkyl, and X is an anion. These benzamide derivatives are active sunscreening agents which are usefully employed at a concentration of from about 0.5 to about 10 wt. % in a formulation requiring protection against the harmful effects of sunlight, such as skin burn, hair damage, color fading, etc.