Hectorite ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a mineral rheology modifier, used to thicken formulas, suspend pigments or powders, and improve slip in creams, gels, masks, and makeup.
What does Hectorite do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a mineral rheology modifier, used to thicken formulas, suspend pigments or powders, and improve slip in creams, gels, masks, and makeup.
Is Hectorite clean?
It is generally well tolerated on skin and has little clean-standard friction when used in finished products. The main practical concern is airborne dust during raw-material handling, not typical consumer use in a hydrated or bound formula.
Is Hectorite sustainable?
This material is mined rather than grown, so its footprint depends on responsible extraction, land management, and purification practices. As an inorganic mineral, biodegradation is not the relevant endpoint, and it is not expected to create persistent organic residues.
Is Hectorite COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when sourced as an allowed mineral and processed only by permitted physical methods. From a Green Chemistry lens, it fits best as a minimally processed, chemically inert material, with mining impact as the main caveat.
How does Hectorite work chemically?
The molecule is a layered hydrated silicate mineral with a high surface area and charge-balancing ions that allow it to swell and build thixotropic structure in water-based systems. Typical use is often around 0.5% to 3%, with hydration, shear, electrolytes, and polymer compatibility strongly influencing final viscosity and suspension performance.
Last updated 2026-05-13