Quaternium-18 Hectorite

Quaternium-18 Hectorite is a cosmetic ingredient used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is used in 23 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex).

INCI nameQUATERNIUM-18 HECTORITE
FunctionVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
CAS number71011-27-3
EC number275-128-5
Prevalence23 products (0.02% of dataset)
Most used inMakeup
EU statusRestricted (annex )

Used in

Foundations 30.4%Concealers 8.7%Lipsticks 8.7%Mascaras 8.7%Sunscreens 8.7%BB, CC, Tinted Moisturizers 4.3%

Frequently asked

What does Quaternium-18 Hectorite do in skincare?
Quaternium-18 Hectorite functions as a viscosity controlling agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Quaternium-18 Hectorite allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Quaternium-18 Hectorite?
It is most commonly found in Makeup products, especially foundations (30.4% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Quaternium-18 Hectorite

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.