In this article, we would discuss some of the important facts about Kaolin clay and how this substance is important for our skin.

What is Kaolin Clay?

Kaolin clay is also known as “ China clay” as it is widely mined in parts of China.

Kaolin is a rich source of minerals such as Kaolinite. It consists of layered Silicate which is beneficial for skin health as it has neutral pH that helps to keep skin hydrated and glowing.

Properties of Kaolin Clay

Colour

Kaolin Clay is mostly found in white colour but sometimes it may be in pink or green colour due to the presence of various minerals or some plant minerals that are present in the clay.

It is believed that the white Kaolin clay is purer than any other clays and it has additional benefits as well.

Pink Colour Kaolin Clay – Pink-coloured clay is formed due to minerals such as Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, Iron, and Calcite.

Green Colour Kaolin Clay – Green coloured clay consists of Iron Oxides and Plant matter.

Texture 

Kaolin clay consists of a mild and very fine powder-like texture. It is quite versatile and almost safe for all skin types.

Kaolin is also odourless which means it does not have its distinct smell.

Uses of Kaolin Clay

Due to its gentle composition, it is widely used in making cosmetics such as face masks and various cleansing face scrubs. It can also be used in:

• Making toothpaste
• In ceramics making
• Medicinal purposes
• Paper, paint, rubber, and many more.

Kaolin clay can be used with water or other natural ingredients such as Activated Charcoal to achieve various skin and hair benefits.

How Kaolin Clay is Formed and Where it is Found?

Kaolin clay is abundantly found in nature, but it can also be prepared in laboratories.

Kaolin is a soft, white earthy clay mineral formed by the chemical withering of Aluminium Silicate minerals such as Feldspar, Quartz, Muscovite, etc.

These minerals composition decides its colour as mentioned above.

The Process To Extract Kaolin Clay

Blunging – In this process, Kaolin rocks are combined with water and several kinds of chemicals to obtain a slurry.

De-gritting – The slurry formed from blunging is passed through pipelines towards the de-gritting machine so that the heavier impurities can be separated from the combination using gravity.

Centrifuging – In this step the coarse Kaolin particles get purified from the finer particles.

At last, several processes take place including oxidation, ozonation, flotation, magnetic separation, bleaching, flocculation, etc. to enhance the colour of Kaolin.

Delamination – In this step, the large particle gets converted into powder-like form.

Filtering and Drying – To remove residual moisture.

Kaolin is naturally free from toxins so not much effort is required to extract kaolin clay thus it’s safe to use even in food products.

Kaolin Clay was first found in a hill in China named “Kaoling”. In China, this clay is generally used for preparing porcelain and also as a medicine for treating diarrhoea.

Now its widely mined in countries such as France, England, Germany, Czech Republic, and the United States.

Due to its huge availability in nature, it has become a cost-effective natural product for healthy skin; moreover, it is much better than chemical-laden products that are extremely expensive.

Why Kaolin Clay is Used for Skin?

As discussed above the kaolin clay is a rich source of minerals, these minerals help the skin to maintain a natural pH balance as with ageing the skin tends to become dry and saggy.

Almost all skin types such as dry, sensitive, or mature skin can use this clay as it is gentle on all skin types.

Kaolin clay is an all-natural product which means it does not have to be mixed with other substances as it can be applied directly over the surface of the skin.

Kaolin clay is so gentle and mild that it can be included in an everyday skincare routine, for acne and oily skin. It is good to use this clay daily but for normal skin, it can be used 1-2 times a week.

Uses Of Kaolin Clay According to Skin type

For Dry Skin – Kaolin clay has natural pH properties that provide hydration to dry skin so that it becomes smooth and hydrated.

For Oily Skin – Kaolin clay is a good cleanser, it removes the excess oil present on the surface of the skin.

For Normal Skin – People with normal skin type uses Kaolin clay as a mask to remove the dirt from the skin and to open the clogged pores.

For Sensitive Skin – Kaolin clay acts as a detoxifying treatment for sensitive skin.

 

Kaolin clay is available in white, pink, green, and red colour and all these colours have different significance for a skin for instance

Pink Clay – It maintains a pH level almost similar to human skin thus it is ideal for sensitive or delicate skin types.

Red Clay – This clay gets its red colour due to the presence of iron oxide. It is beneficial to make skin smooth and firm.

It helps to maintain skin’s elasticity and prevent it from sagging.

Green Clay – The colour of green clay is primarily due to huge residues of ancient plant matter.

This type of Kaolin clay has the highest absorption level which means it is best suited for acne and extremely oily skin.

Apart from all these amazing benefits, the most interesting fact about this clay is that it does have any side effects one can use this for a longer period, even without any expert advice as it has all-natural composition.

10 Benefits of Kaolin Clay For Skin

1. Kaolin Clay Detoxes and Clears Clogged Pores

Our skin gets exposed to lots of dirt, bacteria, and facial oil on daily bases.

Due to this the pores of the skin get clogged. To remove such impurities, and detox pores Kaolin clay can be beneficial as it has natural detoxifying and cleansing properties.

Kaolin clay can even reduce the dead skin cells that make the skin look dull and uneven thus it is extremely helpful to achieve bright skin.

How to Apply

A small portion of Kaolin clay can be mixed with water to form a paste, then it can be applied as a mask all over the face area.

 

2. Kaolin Clay Absorbs Excess Oil 

The skin is the most gentle part therefore any harsh product can cause skin ailments such as rashes or itchy skin.

Kaolin clay is one of the mildest clays it does not cause any harm to the skin hence to remove the excess oil we use kaolin clay.

It absorbs the excess oil without disturbing the natural oil balance of the skin.

The harsh chemical-laden products remove oil but make it dry and rough. The Kaolin clay has natural cleansing properties thus it absorbs the oil without stripping the essential oils from the skin.

 

3. Kaolin Clay Acts As A Facial Cleanser 

Kaolin clay has plentiful minerals that act as a cleanser to give skin a clean and smooth appearance.

Most soaps available in the market carry harmful chemicals that make foam but unlike these soaps, kaolin clay does not make foam still a better option to cleanse the skin as it restores the natural oil of the skin making it soft and radiant.

How to use Kaolin Clay as a Cleanser?

It is quite simple to apply as you only need to take a small portion of kaolin clay but make sure it is in a dry state and then it can be gently rubbed in an upward direction on the skin.

 

4. Kaolin Clay Helps To Reduce Acne

Kaolin Clay has the ability to gently exfoliate and unclog the pores while keeping the skin’s natural moisture unchanged, this clay has antioxidant properties that eliminate the harmful toxins from the skin.

The toxins, pollution and excessive oil are the primary reasons for causing acne and these acne causes marks.  kaolin clay is even helpful to remove these marks.

 

5. Kaolin Clay Helps To Soothe The Skin

Kaolin clay has antibacterial properties that can be used to treat skin rashes and redness.

As mentioned earlier it is an all-natural product which means it has no side effects on the skin thus it can be easily applied to the affected areas.

Kaolin clay has a soothing effect on the skin that calms the irritated and inflamed skin.

How to use 

To reduce inflammation a mix of kaolin clay with Epsom salt can be prepared, this mix helps to calm the redness as well.

For clean skin, kaolin clay can be mixed with any essential oil as essential oils have antimicrobial properties that remove the dirt from the surface of the skin.

 

6. Kaolin Clay Makes Skin Even Toned and Bright 

There could be many reasons that cause uneven skin such as harmful UV rays, acne marks, prolonged usage of chemical products, and dead cells.

Kaolin clay is an excellent exfoliating agent that removes scars and impurities from the skin which in turn makes the skin bright and even.

How to use

For exfoliating purposes kaolin clay can be combined with gentle fruit acids, this mix can be used by sensitive and delicate skin as it is less harsh on the skin.

 

7. Kaolin Clay Keeps Skin Hydrated and Fresh

Kaolin clay has a naturally hydrating effect on the skin, it restores the moisture of the skin and when applied to the skin it does not remove the stored moisture of the skin, it only cleanses the skin gently.

 

8. Kaolin Clay Can Do Wonders When Used A Mask

Below are a few masks including Kaolin Clay and other natural ingredients.

Kaolin Clay and Avocado Face Mask

Take 2 tablespoons of kaolin clay and combine it with 3 tablespoons of mashed avocado and rose water.

Apply the mix on the skin and let it rest for a few minutes.

This mask is extremely beneficial for dry and itchy skin.

Kaolin and Apple Cider Vinegar

A small portion of kaolin clay can be mix with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and with any essential oil.

This mix can be applied to the skin and after a few minutes can be rinsed with lukewarm water.

 

9. Kaolin Clay Is So Mild It Can Be Used For Any Skin Type 

As mentioned previously that Kaolin clay is suitable for almost all skin types whether it’s dry, sensitive, or normal.

No harmful side effects have been observed on any skin type thus one can simply apply this as a mask or as a soap.

 

10. Kaolin Clay Oxygenates The Skin and Reduces Fine Lines

Kaolin Clay has deep cleansing properties that make the skin clean and free from dead cells, the clean pores present on the surface of the skin enable the skin to breathe thus we can conclude that kaolin clay oxygenates the skin.

Some research suggests that kaolin clay reduces the effect of ageing by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Kaolin clay has an all-natural composition and it is available in abundance thus it is more preferable to expensive chemical beauty products.