Stearalkonium Bentonite
What Stearalkonium Bentonite is & what it does
Stearalkonium Bentonite is a clay (bentonite) that has been surface-treated with a quaternary ammonium compound to make it oil-dispersible. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as a thickener and suspending agent, particularly useful for stabilizing oil-based or anhydrous systems. A notable property is its ability to gel oils, which helps keep pigments and mineral filters from settling.
What does Stearalkonium Bentonite do in skincare?
Stearalkonium Bentonite is a treated clay used as a thickener and suspending agent. It is especially useful in oil-based or anhydrous products, where it gels the oil and helps keep pigments and mineral filters from settling. It is a formulation aid rather than an active.
Is Stearalkonium Bentonite safe?
Stearalkonium Bentonite is an established cosmetic thickener and is generally considered safe at the levels used in formulas. It stays on the skin's surface as a texture and suspension aid. Anyone with specific concerns should consult a qualified professional.
Is Stearalkonium Bentonite natural or synthetic?
It starts from a natural clay, bentonite, that is then chemically modified with a quaternary ammonium compound to make it oil-dispersible. So it is best described as a naturally sourced material that has been processed, not a purely natural ingredient.
Sunscreens with Stearalkonium Bentonite
We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:
-
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Mineraltm Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
80/100
-
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen SPF 50
80/100
-
Etienne Foundation SPF 50 Collection Privée, Lumiere 01
76/100
-
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Blurring Skin Tint SPF 30
75/100
-
Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless 3 In 1 Vegan Foundation SPF 20
74/100
-
Rose Inc Solar Power Luminous SPF 30 Serum
74/100
-
Beautystat Universal C Skin Refiner Vitamin C Serum + SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen
73/100
-
Monat BB Cream SPF 40
73/100
-
Hello Sunday The Shimmer One Mineral Glow Stick SPF45
68/100