HECTORITE
Hectorite, listed on labels as HECTORITE, is a mineral clay from the smectite group. Unlike plant extracts or oils, it is made of silicate minerals and is incorporated into a product as a finely divided mineral powder.
HECTORITE: what it is
Hectorite, listed on labels as HECTORITE, is a mineral clay from the smectite group. Unlike plant extracts or oils, it is made of silicate minerals and is incorporated into a product as a finely divided mineral powder.
Its name comes from Hector, California, the locality connected with the mineral's description. There, hectorite was found in a bentonite deposit associated with altered volcanic ash and tuff; that geological history does not identify the deposit supplying a particular cosmetic product.
HECTORITE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, hectorite helps adjust a product's consistency. In practical terms, it can add body to a mask, cream, or makeup product and make a mixture feel less runny, affecting how it comes out of the package and spreads during application.
It is also used for taking up finely dispersed materials and for increasing a preparation's bulk as it swells. Those are physical roles within the formula: seeing hectorite on an ingredient list does not mean it treats acne, dark spots, wrinkles, or any other skin condition.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
