Ingredients

Quaternium-90 Bentonite

What Quaternium-90 Bentonite is, how this modified clay thickens formulas, and why its mineral origin does not make it a skincare active.

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Quick facts

INCI name
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Origin
Mineral or Synthetic
Chemical class
Modified bentonite clay
What it does in a formula
viscosity controlling, stabilizing
Why it is in the formula
Quaternium-90 Bentonite helps thicken and stabilize formulas, especially products with an oil phase.

What it is

To help natural bentonite clay work in oil-containing formulas, manufacturers treat the mineral with an organic quaternium compound to yield quaternium-90 bentonite. This processed mineral ingredient is neither raw clay scooped from the earth nor a plant-derived botanical. It is engineered specifically to thicken and stabilize cosmetic mixtures.

You may encounter it in makeup, creams or other products where the formulator needs a thick, stable texture. It is a helper ingredient. Its role is different from that of a clay mask ingredient intended to be applied in a thick layer and rinsed off. The ingredient list also cannot tell you the amount used or the exact grade of the modified clay. Different clay grades are selected for compatibility with particular oil phases and product designs. Its role is structural, not to draw impurities from your skin.

What it does

  • Thickens oil-containing formulas. The modified clay can build viscosity and help a product stay where it is applied.
  • Supports suspension. It can help keep pigments or other dispersed ingredients from settling as quickly.
  • Adds structure. It can contribute to the product’s body and flow, especially in makeup.
  • Helps maintain an even formula. Stability is a property of the overall recipe, packaging and manufacturing, not one ingredient alone.

Who it suits

Quaternium-90 Bentonite is not a skin-type-specific active. It may appear in makeup or skin-care formulas for a range of users. If you prefer to avoid modified mineral ingredients, the label gives you that information. People with sensitive skin should consider the whole formula, since other ingredients such as fragrance or preservatives may also affect comfort. Patch-test new products if you are prone to reactions, and stop if a product causes ongoing irritation.

What to pair it with, and what not to

There is no separate ingredient you need to pair with Quaternium-90 Bentonite. It is selected to help a finished formula achieve its intended thickness and stability. Use a product according to its directions rather than mixing raw clay or thickener into your routine.

Skin Realist check: Clay can be a useful bit of engineering. It does not need to promise a dramatic skin transformation to earn its spot.

Quick picks with Quaternium-90 Bentonite

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 5 products with Quaternium-90 Bentonite

Blush, Bronzers & Highlighters (2)

Intensive Lip Recovery Masks & Tinted Balms (1)

Full-Coverage Camouflage & Liquid Foundations (1)

High-Definition Camouflage Concealers (1)

Common questions

What is Quaternium-90 Bentonite?

It is bentonite clay that has been modified with an organic quaternium component. The combination is used for texture and stability in cosmetics.

Is Quaternium-90 Bentonite natural?

It contains mineral-derived bentonite that has been chemically modified, so the finished ingredient is not simply untreated clay. Its origin is both mineral and processed.

What does Quaternium-90 Bentonite do in makeup?

It can thicken and stabilize a formula, helping oils and pigments remain more evenly distributed. It is a supporting ingredient rather than a skin-care active.

Does bentonite dry out skin?

This modified clay is used in a finished formula, not necessarily as a stand-alone clay mask. The product's full composition determines whether it feels rich, dry or comfortable.

Sources