murphybentonite
AKA: Swelling Clay
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Clay
Clean
OriginMined from deposits of hydrated aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash weathering over millions of years. Extracted through open-pit or underground mining, then processed by drying, grinding, and sometimes acid-activated treatment.
Bentonite. A colloidal clay. Consists primarily of montmorillonite (CI 77004)
Formula
Al2O3·4SiO2·H2O
CAS #
1302-78-9
Form
Powder
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Oiliness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Absorbent
Bulking
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Absorbs Excess Oil
Adds Body & Volume
Stabilizes Emulsion
Controls Viscosity
Locks In Moisture
Antioxidant Protection
Adds volume
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe with qualifications (safe as used; data insufficient for products that may be incidentally inhaled)
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 809)
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 809)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating (CIR 809)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00025–8%
Rinse-off0.22–17.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR