Hectorite

Hectorite (CAS 12173-47-6) is a naturally occurring lithium magnesium silicate clay used across personal care, coatings, and industrial formulations to control flow, suspend particles, and stabilize emulsions. HECTABRITE AW is a recognized commercial grade familiar to formulators sourcing this material. Its ability to build viscosity and form gels in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems drives demand across multiple manufacturing sectors.

In personal care, hectorite functions as a rheology modifier and suspending agent in foundations, sunscreens, and antiperspirant sticks. It provides a smooth, non-greasy texture and prevents pigment settling. Coatings and adhesives manufacturers incorporate it to control sag resistance and improve pigment dispersion in waterborne and solvent-based systems. It is essential for maintaining consistency in high-performance paints.

In rubber compounding and polymer processing, it acts as a reinforcing filler and processing aid that improves dimensional stability in finished parts. This ensures durability and structural integrity in industrial components. Home care and industrial cleaning formulations use it to suspend abrasives and active ingredients in liquid cleansers and gels. This prevents separation and ensures a uniform application of the cleaning product.

Hectorite is supplied as a fine white powder in both natural and organically modified forms. Standard grades include cosmetic-grade material meeting purity requirements for personal care applications. Technical-grade material is also available for industrial use. Organophilic variants are provided for non-aqueous and polymer-matrix applications where hydrophilic grades are unsuitable for the formulation.