Is Hectorite safe in cosmetics?
Hectorite has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Hectorite
INCI: HECTORITE
Hectorite (CAS 68084-71-9) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 68084-71-9 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
FDA-permitted mineral. Widely used in cosmetics. No restriction.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Hectorite.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
5 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
mineral_clay
{"cas_number": "12173-47-6", "ingredient_class": "hectorite", "chemical_formula": "Na0.3(Mg,Li)3Si4O10(OH)2", "mineral_origin": "natural", "particle_size_range_um": "0.5-5", "surface_area_m2_per_g": "50-150", "crystal_structure": "monoclinic", "color_appearance": "white/cream", "opacity": "translucent", "refractive_index": "1.55", "oil_absorption_g_per_100g": "60-120", "water_absorption_capacity":…
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": "5.0", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "5.0", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "minimal", "oral_ingestion_risk": "low", "respiratory_risk_pediatric": "low", "diaper_area_safe": "yes", "pediatric_allergy…
polymer
{"cas_number": "12173-47-6", "ingredient_class": "thickener/suspending_agent", "polymer_type": "other", "chemical_backbone": "other", "ionic_character": "nonionic", "viscosity_1pct_aqueous_mPas": "2500-12000", "pH_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "salt_tolerance": "moderate", "electrolyte_effect_on_viscosity": "moderate", "temperature_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "film_transparency": "tr…
rheology
{"cas_number": "12173-47-6", "rheology_modifier_type": "Inorganic - Smectite Clay", "thickening_mechanism": "Particle swelling and electrostatic repulsion", "viscosity_increase_factor": "2500-12000x", "brookfield_viscosity_typical_cps": "4000-25000", "shear_thinning_behavior": "Yes", "thixotropic": "Excellent", "yield_stress_pa": "12-40", "flow_curve_type": "Pseudoplastic with thixotropy", "optima…
sensory
{"silky": "gel-like", "smooth, glides easily": "thick, clay", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "smooth, matte", "instant": "moderate", "low": "very-high", "w/o": "o/w", "no": "no", "yes": "no", "light-diffusing": "matte", "1.40": "2.65", "transparent": "opaque", "colorless": "white", "light": "light", "synthetic": "mineral"}
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Hectorite.
Regulatory Flags
mineral-origin
reach-spm-exempt
smectite-clay
aqueous-and-oil-phase
organically-modified-grades
stearalkonium-hectorite
disteardimonium-hectorite
silicone-compatible
color-cosmetics
dual-functionality
epa_safer_alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hectorite allowed in the EU?
Hectorite EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Hectorite do in cosmetics?
Hectorite functions as: rheology modifier, thickener, suspending agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 68084-71-9.
Compliance Tools
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Ingredient Decoder
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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