Common Name(s): Benzalkonium montmorillonite,organoclay (bac-modified),quaternium montmorillonite clay
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Thickens oil-based formulas and helps keep pigments suspended in anhydrous products.
Why It's Used: Organoclay created by ion exchange of na-montmorillonite clay with benzalkonium chloride (bac) quat; becomes lipophilic and swells in organic/oil solvents rather than water.
How It Works: Bac quaternary ammonium replaces the na ion between clay platelets by ion exchange; this makes the normally hydrophilic clay organophilic (swells in organic solvents/oils); the swollen clay platelets form a 3d network that imparts gel-like rheology to anhydrous systems.
Typically Found In: Anhydrous gels,color cosmetics,lipsticks,waterproof mascaras,oil-based foundations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ viscosity controlling
Secondary Functions: Binding agent,suspension,texture modification
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Montmorillonite clay (mineral origin); benzalkonium chloride synthetic; organoclay.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated in anhydrous applications; bac-modified surface; skin contact exposure limited.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile in anhydrous cosmetic applications. ewg score: 1โ3.
Works Well With: Waxes,silicones,mineral pigments,oil-phase emollients
Avoid Combining With: Not compatible with aqueous systems (organoclay is lipophilic and does not swell in water)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Organoclays (quaternium-modified montmorillonite) achieve lipophilicity via cation exchange; benzalkonium montmorillonite (bentone-type) is one of the most widely used organoclays in color cosmetics for anhydrous gel formation and pigment suspension.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,elementis specialties bentone technical data