Montmorillonite
A mineral clay. It absorbs sebum and impurities and thickens the formula. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Montmorillonite (INCI: Montmorillonite) is a mineral clay from the smectite group. In cosmetics it absorbs sebum and impurities from the skin surface and also thickens the formula, which is why it appears in masks, cleansers and products for oily skin. It is a functional component with a useful sensory effect. Its ability to absorb oil and give a clean, mattified feel is real, but it is best understood as a surface and temporary effect, not a treatment acting on the mechanisms of acne. It also adds body and stability to the texture. It is inert and has no systemic uptake topically, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high: low irritation potential and low allergy risk. On dry or sensitive skin, very frequent use of clay masks can dry it out, so it helps to space them out and moisturize afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montmorillonite safe during pregnancy?
Montmorillonite is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Montmorillonite for?
Montmorillonite suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Montmorillonite and what does it do in cosmetics?
A mineral clay.
What's the INCI name for Montmorillonite?
The INCI name is Montmorillonite.
See Montmorillonite in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Myreth-3 Myristate, Myristic Acid, Myristyl Glucoside, Myristyl Myristate, Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Laurate, C12-13 Aleth-9, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
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