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Disteardimonium Hectorite

What Disteardimonium Hectorite is & what it does

An organically modified clay that gels oil phases and stabilizes pigments and filters in anhydrous and water-in-oil formulas. It builds smooth, stable textures.

What is Disteardimonium Hectorite and what does it do in sunscreen?

Disteardimonium Hectorite is an organically modified clay used as a thickener and stabilizer. It gels the oil phase of a formula and keeps pigments and UV filters evenly suspended, which is especially useful in anhydrous and water-in-oil sunscreens. The result is a smooth, stable texture that does not separate or settle.

Is Disteardimonium Hectorite a thickener?

Yes. Its main job is to thicken and gel oil-based parts of a formula, building body and structure. By doing this it also stabilizes the product, holding pigments and mineral filters in place so they stay evenly dispersed. It is a texture and stability ingredient, not an active sun filter.

Is Disteardimonium Hectorite safe?

Yes. It is a clay-derived thickener widely used in sunscreens and color cosmetics and is considered well tolerated. It works on the surface to structure the formula rather than penetrating the skin, and it is not associated with irritation at the levels used. It is a common, low-concern formulation ingredient.

Does Disteardimonium Hectorite clog pores?

Generally no. It is a clay-based thickener used in small amounts to gel and stabilize a formula, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is not a typical pore-clogging ingredient. If an oil-rich or water-in-oil sunscreen feels heavy on blemish-prone skin, the emollients carrying it are the more likely factor.

Is Disteardimonium Hectorite natural?

It is mineral-derived but modified. It starts from hectorite, a naturally occurring clay, which is then chemically treated so it can gel oils rather than water. So its base is a natural clay, but the finished ingredient is a processed, formulation-grade material.

Sunscreens with Disteardimonium Hectorite

We rate 910 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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