Is Synthetic Hectorite safe in cosmetics?
Synthetic Hectorite has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Synthetic Hectorite
Also known as: EINECS 235-340-0, UNII-08X4KI73EZ
INCI: HECTORITE
Synthetic Hectorite (CAS 12173-47-6) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent,. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 12173-47-6 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Suspending Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer
Safety Rating
GOOD
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
lithium;magnesium;sodium;1,3,5,7-tetraoxido-2,4,6,8,9,10-hexaoxa-1,3,5,7-tetrasilatricyclo[5.1.1.13,5]decane;dihydroxide
InChIKey
KWLMIXQRALPRBC-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR concluded safe in present practices of use and concentration; no FDA restrictions
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Synthetic 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"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Absorbent
Dispersing agent
Filler
Opacifer
Pigment
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Thickening agent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Synthetic Hectorite.
Regulatory Flags
epa_safer_alternative
Known Synonyms
EINECS 235-340-0
UNII-08X4KI73EZ
Chemical Function
Absorbent
Viscosity modifier
Filler
Opacifer
Regulatory Lists
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
SCIL (9/2019)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Synthetic Hectorite allowed in the EU?
Synthetic Hectorite EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Synthetic Hectorite do in cosmetics?
Synthetic Hectorite functions as: Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Suspending Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 12173-47-6.
Is Synthetic Hectorite used outside cosmetics?
Synthetic Hectorite also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check Synthetic Hectorite compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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