Bentonite ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily an absorbent and viscosity builder. It helps thicken water-based formulas, suspend particles, reduce shine, and give masks and cleansers a smooth, spreadable texture.
What does Bentonite do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily an absorbent and viscosity builder. It helps thicken water-based formulas, suspend particles, reduce shine, and give masks and cleansers a smooth, spreadable texture.
Is Bentonite clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well-tolerated and low in sensitization risk. The main quality considerations are mineral purity, trace heavy-metal testing, and managing fine dust during manufacturing.
Is Bentonite sustainable?
This material is mined, so it is not renewable, but it is abundant and requires relatively simple processing compared with many synthetic inputs. It is inert in the environment and is not expected to bioaccumulate.
Is Bentonite COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS natural and organic standards when sourced as an approved natural mineral and processed by allowed physical methods. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest on low chemical processing and weak on renewability, since it comes from a finite mineral source.
How does Bentonite work chemically?
The molecule is part of a layered aluminosilicate mineral structure with a high surface area, water-swelling behavior, and cation-exchange capacity. Typical use levels range from about 0.5 to 3% for suspension and viscosity support, and higher in rinse-off masks, where electrolytes and high shear can affect gel strength.
Last updated 2026-05-13