- ▸ Cosmetics: rheological additive and suspending agent in non-aqueous personal-care products
- ▸ Coatings and inks: anti-settling and viscosity control in solvent systems
- ▸ Lubricating greases: thickening and structuring agent
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Quaternium-18 Hectorite (INCI Quaternium-18 Hectorite; CAS 12001-31-9) is an organoclay — hectorite clay surface-modified with a quaternary-ammonium compound so that it disperses in oils and solvents instead of water. It is a rheology modifier and suspension agent for non-aqueous systems: it builds viscosity, prevents settling and sag, and holds pigments and actives in oils, gels and anhydrous formulations.
What is an organoclay?
Organoclays are smectite clays (hectorite or bentonite) whose surface has been exchanged with a quaternary-ammonium (“quat”) surfactant. The quat makes the normally water-loving clay organophilic, so it swells and builds a thixotropic gel network in oils and organic solvents. Quaternium-18 Hectorite is the hectorite-based organoclay, prized for clarity and efficiency in cosmetic and clear-oil systems. It is activated with a polar co-solvent and shear.
Applications by sector
Cosmetics & personal care. Suspends pigments and actives and builds structure in anhydrous gels, lipsticks and sticks, antiperspirants, nail products, sunscreens and color cosmetics. Coatings, inks & adhesives. An anti-settling and anti-sag rheology additive for solvent-borne paints, inks and sealants. Lubricating greases. A non-soap thickener for high-temperature greases. Oilfield. A viscosifier and suspension agent in oil-based and synthetic drilling muds. Activate with the recommended polar additive and shear for full yield.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a fine powder; confirm grade and particle size on the RFQ. Related clays: organoclay (bentonite-based), hectorite, bentonite.
Handling and documentation
It is a fine mineral powder; manage dust per the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies Quaternium-18 Hectorite organoclay in bulk to cosmetic, coatings, grease and oilfield manufacturers, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your grade and target quantity.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Quaternium-18 Hectorite |
| CAS Number | 12001-31-9 |
| Chemical type | Organically-modified hectorite clay (quaternary-ammonium organoclay) |
| Appearance | Off-white to cream fine powder |
| Function | Rheology modifier / suspension agent (non-aqueous) |
| Systems | Oils, esters and organic solvents (organophilic) |
| Activation | Requires polar activator + shear |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quaternium-18 Hectorite used for?
Quaternium-18 Hectorite (organoclay, CAS 12001-31-9) is a rheology modifier and suspension agent for non-aqueous systems — it thickens oils, prevents settling/sag and suspends pigments in cosmetics, solvent-borne coatings and inks, lubricating greases and oil-based drilling muds.
What is the difference between an organoclay and bentonite?
Bentonite and hectorite are natural clays that swell in water; an organoclay is the same clay surface-modified with a quaternary-ammonium compound so it swells in oils and solvents instead. Use bentonite/hectorite for water systems and the organoclay for oil/solvent systems.
How is Quaternium-18 Hectorite activated?
It develops viscosity when dispersed under shear with a small amount of a polar activator (such as a low-molecular-weight alcohol or carbonate). Follow the recommended activation for full rheological yield.
What is the CAS of Quaternium-18 Hectorite?
It is CAS 12001-31-9. As a modified mineral it is supplied to a grade; the CoA documents each lot.
How is bulk organoclay supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a powder in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.