Stearalkonium Hectorite Bon Agent suspenseur/dispersant No known benefits Stearalkonium Hectorite at a glance Hectorite clay-derived fine power Used as a suspending/dispersing agent in cosmetics Helps prevent particle settling in formulas Deemed safe for use in cosmetics Stearalkonium Hectorite description Stearalkonium hectorite is a powder used in cosmetics as a safe suspending agent. It’s formed when hectorite clay reacts with the quaternary ammonium compound stearalkonium chloride. Suspending agents disperse particles throughout a formula so formulaic particle suspension irregularities don’t occur. Essentially, suspending and dispersing agents make sure ingredients don’t settle at the bottom of a liquid or solvent. Stearalkonium hectorite can have both animal or synthetic origins according to the Personal Care Products Council. Typical use levels of stearalkonium hectorite range from 2.5–5%. Stearalkonium hectorite typically comes blended with propylene carbonate, which works as a polar activator to optimize the thickening ability of the clay. Related ingredients: Hectorite Quaternary Ammonium Compounds