Montmorillonite ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a mineral absorbent and rheology modifier, used to soak up oil, give masks and cleansers a thicker feel, and help suspend particles in formulas.
What does Montmorillonite do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a mineral absorbent and rheology modifier, used to soak up oil, give masks and cleansers a thicker feel, and help suspend particles in formulas.
Is Montmorillonite clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well-tolerated on intact skin and has little restricted-list friction. The main practical caveats are dryness or a gritty feel in leave-on use, plus airborne powder control during manufacturing.
Is Montmorillonite sustainable?
This material is mined from naturally occurring mineral deposits, so it is nonrenewable but abundant. It is inorganic and not biodegradable in the usual sense, but it is chemically inert and not expected to bioaccumulate.
Is Montmorillonite COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when sourced and processed as an allowed natural mineral. Its Green Chemistry fit is strongest on low reactivity and minimal transformation, and weaker on renewability because it comes from mining.
How does Montmorillonite work chemically?
The molecule is a layered hydrated aluminosilicate with a high surface area and exchangeable interlayer cations, which explains its oil absorption, swelling, and suspension behavior. It is stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, can thicken water-rich systems depending on electrolyte load, and is commonly paired with humectants or emollients to balance a drying skin feel.
Last updated 2026-05-13