Stearalkonium Hectorite

Stearalkonium hectorite is an organo-modified hectorite clay used in cosmetics as a rheology modifier for oil and solvent phases. It thickens and gels anhydrous systems, suspends pigments, and boosts emulsion stability in makeup, balms, and sunscreens.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A clay-based thickener that keeps oil-rich formulas smooth.
Category
Emulsifying, Color, Tone/Texture
Type
Rheology Modifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It keeps dispersed ingredients uniformly suspended, so pigments apply evenly and resist settling, and adds silky glide and cushion while minimizing greasiness in oil-rich formulas.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's often used in liquid foundations, cream blushes, oil-based sunscreens, and gel balms to keep colorants evenly dispersed and maintain a consistent texture.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's generally considered low irritation in finished products; accidental eye exposure may cause transient discomfort. It suits most skin types, including sensitive, when properly dispersed.

Is Stearalkonium Hectorite a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good as a reliable oil-phase thickener and pigment-suspending aid that improves stability at low use levels. As an inert organoclay, it shows low irritation for most users, though its contribution is purely textural.

Products with Stearalkonium Hectorite

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