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Catalog Number | CI-SC-0530 |
Product Name | Bentonite |
CAS | 1302-78-9 |
Description | Bentonite is a natural clay that typically derives from volcanic ash. It consists mainly of silica (58-61%), aluminum (21-22%) and various other minerals including sodium, magnesium, calcium, ferric oxide, and potassium. It is widely used as texturizer, filler, thickener, and pigment binder. Swelling power 24+ ml. |
Solubility | Water-insoluble |
Appearance | Off-white to tan powder, odorless |
Application | Creams, lotions, facial cleansers, hair care (anti-flaking shampoos, conditioners & styling products), body powders, deodorants sticks, depilatories, make-up, shaving creams. |
Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
Composition | Bentonite |
Features And Benefits | Used as thickener, absorbent, filler, texturizer and binder in various skin and hair care products and color cosmeticsHas thickening and suspending properties (e.g suspends pigments) and effectively thickens and stabilizes emulsionsActs synergistically with common thickeners like xanthan gum and HE cellulose |
GMO | GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components) |
HS Code | 3003100000 |
INCI | Bentonite |
Manufacture | Betonite is extracted from volcanic ash and then crushed, milled to powder, dried and, if necessary, activated with the addition of soda ash. |
Preservation | Preservative-free |
Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
Raw Material Source | Volcanic ash |
Uses | Add to water phase of formulas to let the bentonite swell. Typical use level 1-50%. For external use only. |
Bentonite, a versatile smectite clay, is widely utilized in skincare formulations due to its unique stabilizing, gel-forming, and suspending properties. As an emulsion stabilizer, Bentonite efficiently maintains the stability of both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, even in minimal concentrations, by keeping particles separate and suspended. This property is particularly enhanced when used in combination with nonionic or anionic surfactants, which results in improved spreadability, viscosity, and film-forming characteristics. Additionally, Bentonite facilitates the formation of opaque gels found in products like acne creams, sunscreens, and toothpastes, providing a consistent base for topical applications. Its thixotropic nature enhances the texture and application of creams and lotions, allowing them to be reformulated into richer, thicker products without an increase in product greasiness. Furthermore, Bentonite's colloidal structure excels at suspending solids, outperforming many organic gums by holding particulate materials, such as high-density minerals and organic compounds like Kaolin or Pectin, in suspension efficiently without creating irreversible gels.
What are the primary benefits of using Bentonite in skincare formulations?
Bentonite is a multifunctional ingredient widely used in skincare formulations due to its excellent properties. It acts as an emulsion stabilizer, gel-forming agent, formulation base, and suspension medium. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps maintain the stability of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, ensuring smooth and consistent application. Bentonite's gel-forming capability makes it ideal for creating opaque gels suitable for acne creams and sunscreens. Its thixotropic properties aid in enhancing the body and spreadability of formulations without a greasy feel, making it perfect for transitioning lotions into thicker creams. Additionally, Bentonite effectively suspends solid particles, providing a stable and consistent product.
How does Bentonite stabilize emulsions in skincare products?
Bentonite stabilizes emulsions through its colloidal structure, which keeps particles separate and suspended, even at high temperatures. When used in combination with nonionic or anionic surfactants, Bentonite enhances the stability of emulsions in various oils, fats, and waxes, with less than 1% concentration being sufficient. This stabilization property also improves product spreadability, viscosity, and film-forming capabilities.
In what types of skincare products is Bentonite commonly used as a gel-forming agent?
Bentonite is commonly used as a gel-forming agent in products like acne creams, sunscreens, and toothpaste. Its ability to form opaque gels allows these products to maintain a consistent texture and strength, ensuring effective topical application. The water-based nature of smectite clay gels also allows for easy integration into various skincare formulations.
What makes Bentonite an effective suspending agent in cosmetic formulations?
Bentonite is a highly effective suspending agent due to its colloidal structure, which can hold solid particles in suspension without forming irreversible gels. This property makes it superior to many organic gums, especially at low viscosities. Bentonite is capable of suspending a wide range of powdered materials, including high-density minerals and organic substances such as Kaolin or Pectin, ensuring a stable and uniform product.