murphyHectorite
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 12173-47-6, Hectorite (clay mineral), HECTABRITE AW, HECTABRITE DP, HECTABRITE LT, ACCOFLOC HCX, SUMECTON HE, BENTONE CT
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
OriginHectorite is a synthetic magnesium silicate clay mineral belonging to the smectite family. It is synthesized through controlled hydrothermal crystallization of silica and magnesium compounds under specific temperature and pressure conditions.
The Panel also concluded that the following 7 ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practice of use and concentration described in this safety assessment, with the exception that the available data are insufficient to make a determination of safety for these ingredients in products that may be incidentally inhaled:Hectorite
Formula
H2LiMgNaO12Si4-2
Mol. Weight
360.60
CAS #
12173-47-6
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Absorbs Excess Oil
Adds Body & Volume
Controls Viscosity
Adds volume
Controls product thickness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe with qualifications (data insufficient for products that may be incidentally inhaled)
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 809)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 288)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed / reactions moderate (CIR 288)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.057–1.5%
Rinse-off0.1–0.13%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR