Is Bentonite safe in cosmetics?
Bentonite has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Bentonite
Also known as: Albagel Premium USP 4444, Bentonite 2073, Bentonite magma, Colloidal clay, EINECS 215-108-5 (+12 more)
INCI: BENTONITE
Bentonite (CAS 1302-78-9) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent, absorbent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted; GHS signal word DANGER. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 1302-78-9 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent, absorbent
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
GRAS affirmed under 21 CFR §184.1155 as a direct food substance (processing aid, cGMP limitation, no significant residue in food). Also listed under 21 CFR §582.1155 (GRAS for animal feed) and as an indirect food additive in 21 CFR §175.105, 175.300, 176.170, and 178.3297. Not approved as a color additive in the US. Permitted for non-colorant cosmetic functions under FDA's general cosmetic ingredient safety framework. Not specifically listed in FDA OTC monographs; related clay Kaolin is approved as a skin protectant at 4-20% under 21 CFR §347.10.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Bentonite.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
CancerHealth haz
Hazard Statements
Causes damage to the lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and skin.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the lungs. This may result in fibrosis (see ICSC 0808).
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.
EU CosIng Annex Listing
European Commission CosIng database Annex references per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Annex IV — Permitted Colorants
Product type: White
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (IV - Colorants)
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
India: Permitted Colorant
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "1302-78-9", "anti_acne_mechanism": "sebum_regulation", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "2", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "25-35", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "Yes", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "Yes", "eu_cosmetic_restr…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "1302-78-9", "ingredient_class": "anti_pollution/heavy_metal_chelator", "primary_mechanism": "chelation/barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5/PM10/heavy_metals", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PM2_5_adhesion_reduction_pct": "70-85", "heavy_metal_chelation_capacity": "High", "PAH_neutralization…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "oily,combination,acne-prone", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Clay - detox"}
deodorant
{"cas_number": "1302-78-9", "ingredient_class": "sweat_absorber", "mechanism_of_action": "odor_absorption", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0-10", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "6-12", "odor_reduction_pct": "30-55", "bacteriostatic": "no", "bactericidal": "no", "microbiome_impact": "neutral", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "minimal", "astringency_level": "low", "sweat_absorption_capac…
depigmentation
{"cas_number": "1302-78-9", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism_of_action": "Mineral active providing UV protection or exfoliation preventing/treating hyperpigmentation", "secondary_mechanisms": "Variable", "molecular_target": "other", "tyrosinase_inhibition_IC50_uM": "varies", "tyrosinase_inhibition_type": "competitive", "melanin_reduction_pct_in_vitro": "25-45", "melanin_reduction_pc…
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "no", "biodegradation_days": "non-biodegradable", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "very low toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "minimal impact", "soil_toxicity": "clay mineral", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no",…
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "yes", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "yes", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "yes", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "yes", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "yes", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "10.0", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "10.0", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "minimal", "oral_ingestion_risk": "low", "respiratory_risk_pediatric": "low", "diaper_area_safe": "yes", "pediatric_aller…
polymer
{"cas_number": "1302-78-9", "ingredient_class": "thickener/suspending_agent", "polymer_type": "other", "chemical_backbone": "other", "ionic_character": "nonionic", "viscosity_1pct_aqueous_mPas": "2000-10000", "pH_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "salt_tolerance": "moderate", "electrolyte_effect_on_viscosity": "moderate", "temperature_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "film_transparency": "tra…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Absorbent
Defoamer
Dispersing agent
Emulsifier
Filler
Flow promoter
Food preservative
Fragrance
Opacifer
Oxidizing agent
Regulatory List Membership (4)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Bentonite.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
cir-approved
sccs-opinion
gras-fda
natural-origin
colorant
nano-form
epa_safer_alternative
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
Known Synonyms
Albagel Premium USP 4444
Bentonite 2073
Bentonite magma
Colloidal clay
EINECS 215-108-5
Imvite I.G.B.A
Magbond
Panther creek bentonite
Southern bentonite
Tixoton
Volcaly bentonite BC
Aquagel
Bengel A
Bengel FW
Bengel HVP
Bentonite, calcian-sodian
UNII-A3N5ZCN45C
Chemical Function
Defoamer
Absorbent
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo-dandruff
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bentonite allowed in the EU?
Bentonite EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Bentonite do in cosmetics?
Bentonite functions as: rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent, absorbent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 1302-78-9.
Is Bentonite classified as hazardous under GHS?
Bentonite carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Causes damage to the lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Compliance Tools
Check Bentonite compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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