Ingredient
Disteardimonium Hectorite
What is Disteardimonium Hectorite?
Disteardimonium hectorite is a type of organoclay, a modified clay mineral. It is made by reacting hectorite clay with organic salts, specifically distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, to enhance its gelling properties.
It is primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic products such as sunscreens. The ingredient helps to suspend other ingredients, prevent settling, and improve the texture and spreadability of products on the skin. The available health evidence does not indicate significant concerns at typical use levels.
When you see disteardimonium hectorite on a label, it typically signifies an effort to maintain the consistency and performance of a topical product, ensuring smooth application and stability over time.
Commonly found in: sunscreens, foundations, lotions, creams, eye shadows
Disteardimonium hectorite is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in topical applications without specific restrictions.
Research indicates that disteardimonium hectorite is an effective thickener for cosmetics, with no major safety concerns reported in peer-reviewed studies.
Disteardimonium hectorite is generally considered vegan as it is derived from clay and synthetic processes.
Sources: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Disteardimonium Hectorite
Scout's take
Disteardimonium Hectorite is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.
The case against
There are no significant risks associated with disteardimonium hectorite in cosmetic products.
from the analysis of La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50The case for
It helps in stabilizing emulsions and improving the consistency of the product.
from the analysis of La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50It improves the texture and stability of the product.
from the analysis of Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Treatment for Hydration + Nourishing Shine, Size:, Sweet GreenMore from Scout's analyses
Disteardimonium Hectorite is a thickening agent used to improve the texture and stability of cosmetic products. It helps in forming a gel-like consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
from the analysis of La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
from the analysis of W3LL People Bio Tint SPF 30 Tinted MoisturizerMineral clay thickener; inert.
from the analysis of EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Found in 4 products
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