Characteristics
- INCI
- Stearalkonium Hectorite
- CAS
-
71011-26-2, 94891-33-5, 12691-60-0
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
275-126-4, 305-633-9
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- Functions
- gel forming, viscosity controlling
Description
Stearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used mostly as a thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer in cosmetics. It helps formulas stay smooth and evenly mixed, especially in products like foundations, sunscreens, primers, creams, and some hair styling products. By building structure in the formula, it can improve slip, spreadability, and the overall feel on skin or hair.
For skincare, its main benefit is indirect: it makes products easier to apply and can help keep pigments, oils, and other ingredients suspended so the formula performs consistently. In hair products, it can support hold and a more polished finish. People who like lightweight, elegant textures often benefit from it, especially in oil-based or anhydrous formulas.
Caveat: Stearalkonium Hectorite is not an active treatment ingredient, so it won’t hydrate, brighten, or repair on its own. It is generally used in small amounts, but as with any cosmetic ingredient, very sensitive users may prefer to patch test a new product if they know they react to certain formula textures or additives.
Found in products (912 total)
Наиболее часто встречается в продукции Clarins (12 продуктов)
