What it is
Lithium Magnesium Silicate is a layered silicate that swells in water to form a gel-like network. In sunscreens and other emulsions it is used to control viscosity, suspend pigments and mineral particles, and stabilize the formula against separation. It contributes to a smooth, even texture and helps keep insoluble particles uniformly dispersed.
Safety & warnings
Silicate clays of this type are considered well tolerated in topical use and are not associated with significant irritation at typical cosmetic levels. Because it is an inert, insoluble mineral, it is not generally a sensitizer.
Origin & sourcing
Typically a synthetic silicate engineered to behave like the natural clay hectorite, providing consistent purity and performance.
Questions everyone asks
What does Lithium Magnesium Silicate do in a sunscreen?
It thickens the formula, suspends mineral particles and pigments evenly, and helps prevent the product from separating.
Is it a natural clay?
It is usually a synthetic silicate designed to mimic natural hectorite clay, offering consistent quality.