Ingredient
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Bentone 38
What it is
An organically modified (distearyl-quaternium-treated) hectorite clay used as a thickener and suspending agent, especially in anhydrous or oil-heavy formulas such as sunscreens.
How it works
The distearyl-quaternium treatment makes the normally water-loving clay platelets dispersible in oils; the platelets then build a gel network that thickens the formula and keeps mineral UV-filter particles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide evenly suspended rather than settling.
What it does
Emulsion stabiliser
Viscosity controlling
Concerns to know
-
Well tolerated
No significant safety concern is reported for this ingredient as used in cosmetics.