murphyQuaternium-18 Hectorite
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Quaternium 18-hectorite, Bentone 38, 12001-31-9, LUCENTITE SAN
Synthetic
Clean
OriginQuaternium-18 Hectorite is derived from hectorite clay, a naturally occurring layered silicate mineral, combined with quaternary ammonium compounds. The clay is chemically modified through quaternization, bonding quaternary ammonium groups to the hectorite surface to create an organophilic thickening agent.
Quaternary ammonium compounds, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl, chlorides, compds. with hectorite
Formula
HLiMgNaO11Si4-
Mol. Weight
343.60
CAS #
71011-27-3
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Viscosity Controlling
Controls Viscosity
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 241)
Not an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 241)
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 241 and 608)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
6 studies / 1 irritating / 5 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 241 and 608)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2013
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR