Quaternium-18
What is it?
Quaternium-18 is a mixture of quaternary ammonium chloride salts made from fatty acids of tallow. Quaternium–18 Hectorite and Quaternium-18 Bentonite are organic modified clay compounds that are the reaction products of clays, bentonite or hectorite and Quaternium-18. In cosmetics and personal care products, they are used in the formulation of lipstick, face makeup, eye shadows, rouge, mascara, skin gels, skin creams, skin lotions, hair care products, and other personal cleanliness products.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes bentonite on its list of direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recogonized as Safe (GRAS).
The safety of Quaternium-18, Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Quaternium-18, and Quaternium-18 Hectorite were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration. In 2001, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on Quaternium-18, Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
The safety of Quaternium-18, Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Quaternium-18, and Quaternium-18 Hectorite were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration. In 2001, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on Quaternium-18, Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Quaternium-18 functions as an antistatic agent. Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite help to distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid. When used in the formulation of lotions and creams, these ingredients help to keep the product from separating into its oil and liquid components.
Scientific facts:
Quaternium-18 is a quaternary ammonium salt that is formed from hydrogenated fatty acids of tallow. Quaternium-18 Bentonite and Quaternium-18 Hectorite have a gel-like consistency that becomes more fluid when the gel is disturbed.
