Quaternium-18/Benzalkonium Bentonite
AKA “Clay/quaternium salt complex”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Quaternium-18/benzalkonium bentonite
AKA: Clay/quaternium salt complex
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Clay
Synthetic
Clean
Quaternary ammonium compounds, bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl, compounds with bentonite and C8-C18-alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride Science: Functions: Viscosity Controlling Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Viscosity Controlling
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Controls Viscosity
Traditional Use
A modern composite preservative and conditioning ingredient combining multiple synthetic antimicrobial and conditioning agents with bentonite clay. Developed to provide broad-spectrum preservation while improving formula texture.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR