Quaternium-18 Bentonite

Quaternium-18 Bentonite is an organoclay made by modifying bentonite with a quaternary ammonium compound. Creams, makeup, and hair styling products use it to thicken oil phases, stabilize dispersions, and support smooth application.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
This treated clay thickens products and keeps makeup looking even.
Category
Tone/Texture, Oil Control
Type
Rheology Modifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Improves cushion and glide so products feel more refined on application, and helps minimize surface shine while keeping makeup looking uniform through wear.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in moisturizers, foundations, and hair creams to create a creamy, non-runny feel, and also appears in balms and oil-based cleansers to add body to the formula.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products, though the quaternary treatment may cause mild irritation for sensitive users. Avoid inhaling dust when handling loose powders. No widely recognized cosmetic-use restrictions at typical levels.

Is Quaternium-18 Bentonite a Good Ingredient?

Good, because it reliably thickens and stabilizes oil phases, improving glide and uniformity with generally low irritation risk. It isn't rated Great because it offers formulation performance rather than a direct skin benefit, and the cationic treatment can occasionally bother very sensitive skin.

Products with Quaternium-18 Bentonite

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