Hectorite

Hectorite molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Hectorite?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Hectorite is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

Hectorite is a clay used to thicken creams and lotions. For infants (0-6 months) it appears low-risk in general tests, but experts have said there should be limits on how it is used and at what amounts. Because babies’ skin is very delicate, it’s best to be cautious.

What to Do

Prefer products that are specifically formulated and labeled for babies or recommended by a pediatrician. Avoid homemade or unclear formulations. Do not put products with hectorite on broken skin, near the eyes, or in high concentrations. If you must try a product, use a very small amount on a small patch of healthy skin and watch for 24–48 hours for any redness or swelling. Stop use and call your child’s doctor if irritation occurs.

⚠️Warnings

Industry safety reviews (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) note restrictions on where and how much hectorite should be used and also point out data gaps—this is the reason for extra caution with infants. Also be alert for signs of allergic reaction or skin irritation (redness, bumps, swelling), and avoid products where the manufacturer does not list concentrations or that are not intended for babies.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: An industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) says this ingredient must be limited by product type and concentration. Because of those limits, some product-verification programs will not allow the ingredient in verified products unless the maker provides safety proof. The review also notes data gaps that lead to these use limits, so this ingredient is treated as restricted in practice.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Hectorite

This ingredient may also be listed as:

hectoriteHECTORITEBENTONE GELBEN-A-GELMACALOIDHECTORITE (CLAY MINERAL)

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Hectorite

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Hectorite or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Hectorite

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Hectorite?

Yes, Hectorite is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.

What are the banned risks of Hectorite for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Hectorite?

Hectorite is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Hectorite?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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