ClayThick R™ (Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, e.q. Veegum R) is a water-dispersible smectite clay rheology modifier for cosmetic emulsions, gels, lotions, and suspensions. ClayThick R™ is the general-purpose magnesium aluminum silicate grade in this series. It is selected when the formula needs balanced thickening, thixotropic body, emulsion stability, and particle suspension without the higher viscosity of ClayThick HV™.

All ClayThick grades in this set build thixotropic structure: they increase low-shear body, slow particle settling, improve emulsion stability, and help suspend pigments, powders, or active solids without making the formula feel like a simple polymer gel.

Grade Selection

• ClayThick HV™: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate NF Type IC, 5% viscosity 800-2200 cps, normal hydrating; highest viscosity and stronger suspension support above pH 6.
• ClayThick R™: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate NF Type IA, normal hydrating; general-purpose thickening and suspension support above pH 6.
• ClayThick K™: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate NF Type IIA, 5% viscosity 100-300 cps, normal hydrating; useful for acidic and electrolyte-rich systems with lower viscosity than HV.
• ClayThick Light™ / HS: Purified Bentonite NF, 5% viscosity 40-200 cps, quick hydrating; strongest electrolyte stability, fast hydration, and low acid demand.

Product Description

General-purpose grade for emulsions, gels, and suspensions above pH 6. Hydrate fully before adding electrolytes, acids, pigments, or powders that can interfere with clay network development. The clay network develops gradually; final viscosity should be checked after full hydration and after electrolyte or pH adjustment is complete.

Applications

Creams, lotions, gels, color cosmetics, suspensions, and general-purpose cosmetic systems that need balanced body and suspension support.

How to Mix

• Pre-disperse slowly into the water phase under good propeller or homogenizer agitation to avoid fisheyes and dry clumps.
• Allow full hydration before adding high electrolyte loads, acids, cationic materials, pigments, or powders that may compete for water or change the clay network.
• Normal-hydrating grades (R, HV, K) need longer hydration time; ClayThick Light™ / HS hydrates faster and is preferred when quicker processing or stronger electrolyte stability is needed.
• Heat can accelerate hydration when the formula permits it. Re-check final viscosity after cool-down and after pH/electrolyte adjustment.

Use Level

Recommended use range: 0.5-5% depending on required body, suspension stability, and electrolyte load. Typical starting point: 1-3%.

Product Characteristics

Appearance: white to light-yellow powder; odorless to very low odor; pH of 5% dispersion typically alkaline for listed grades.

Solubility: dispersible/hydratable in water; not oil soluble. Use as an aqueous-phase rheology modifier or suspension stabilizer.

Storage: store tightly closed in a dry place at room temperature. Protect from moisture to prevent pre-hydration, caking, and inconsistent dispersion.