A modified clay that thickens oils and forms gels.
What it is
Stearalkonium hectorite is hectorite, a clay mineral, reacted with a quaternary ammonium compound. The modification lets the clay disperse in oils and solvents. CosIng lists it as gel forming and viscosity controlling.
Where it is used
Common in nail polishes, mascaras, lipsticks and other oil- or solvent-based makeup, where it thickens the formula and helps keep pigments suspended.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
According to CosIng, some grades are made with alkyl chains from hydrogenated tallow; the label does not say which grade is used.
Functions
- Gel forming
- Giving the consistency of a gel (a semi-solid preparation with some elasticity) to a liquid preparation.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.
Products with this ingredient (227)
- Skin Illusion All-In-One Concealer · Clarins
- Peptalk Lipstick Bullet Refill · The Body Shop
- False Lash Effect XXL · Max Factor
- Tusz do rzęs False Lash Effect XXL · Max Factor
- PALETA CIENI COLOR EXPERT · Max Factor
- Kredka Kohl Pencil · Max Factor
- False Lash Effect XXL Mascara · Max Factor
- OMBRETTI COLOUR X-PERT SOFT TOUCH PALETTE · Max Factor
- Mascara False Lash Effect XXL · Max Factor
- Kohl Eye Liner Pencil · Max Factor
- Excess Intensity Longwear Eyeliner · Max Factor
- Kohl Pencil · Max Factor