Disteardimonium Hectorite
Disteardimonium Hectorite is a creamy, gel-forming clay derivative commonly used in UK beauty products to thicken formulas and improve their texture. It helps create smooth, stable creams, foundations and mascaras that glide on effortlessly without separating. Shoppers will often spot it in long-wear makeup and skincare creams where a silky, non-greasy feel is desired.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, Disteardimonium Hectorite functions as a rheological additive that thickens oils and emulsions while suspending pigments and active ingredients. It creates a smooth, velvety texture in everything from liquid foundations and concealers to lipsticks and eye shadows, preventing settling and separation. The ingredient also lends a luxurious, cushiony feel on application and helps products remain stable throughout their shelf life.
Key benefits
- Improves product texture for a silky, non-greasy finish
- Helps suspend pigments for even colour distribution
- Enhances spreadability and glide of makeup and creams
- Stabilises emulsions to prevent separation
- Creates a smooth, velvety application feel
- Supports long-wear performance in cosmetics
Best for
all skin types, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Disteardimonium Hectorite is derived from hectorite, a soft, naturally occurring clay mineral found in volcanic ash deposits. The clay is modified with distearyldimonium groups to make it compatible with oils and organic ingredients used in cosmetics.
Products with Disteardimonium Hectorite
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Disteardimonium Hectorite than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.