When it comes to highly purifying and gentle cleansers, there are some incredibly effective natural resources that offer significant benefits over more common, chemically-enhanced products. Kaolin clay is one of these all-natural ingredients that enhance a clean beauty, toxin-free, vegan skin care regimen - it’s also excellent for all skin types when used as a cleanser, exfoliator, blemish treatment, and more!

What is Kaolin Clay?

Kaolin clay, which has also been referred to as white clay or China clay, is primarily made up of the mineral kaolinite.  The name ‘kaolin’ derives from the ‘Gaoling’, a Chinese village located in the southeast province of Jiangxi. The mineral in its purest form is a bright white color, but the clay usually have a colored hue depending on the mineral content of the areas where they are mined.  Reddish hues, for example, are caused by higher levels of iron oxide deposits, while a green hue is due to decomposed plant matter. It is one of the most commonly occurring minerals on earth, having been mined everywhere from China to the United States or Brazil.

Today, kaolin clay is used for pottery and paper in addition to health and beauty. In fact, the clay is thought to have been one of the first materials used to make pottery. Kaolin clay is used medically for reducing inflammation and treating internal sores or ulcers, particularly in the digestive tract. It is also one of the most effective bases for facial masks and scrubs.

Kaolin Clay Benefits

For cosmetics and skincare uses, kaolin clay has some important detoxifying and stimulating effects.

The clay is a gentle cleanser for any skin type, extracting impurities and absorbing excess oils without causing inflammation or redness. Many people use kaolin clay for acne and for treating breakouts.  Kaolin clay has been used for centuries to absorb excess oil from the skin, preventing breakouts before they begin.  It's also perfect for helping to restore skin that's been damaged by frequent outbreaks of acne. Some have found that regular use helps to balance their skin’s oil production, reducing oily skin symptoms. Kaolin clay becomes a smooth paste when combined with water, and its tiny crystals gently exfoliate and refresh the skin. Since it is so gentle, kaolin clay is a fantastic cleanser and detoxifying treatment for sensitive skin.

With long term use, kaolin clay can cause your skin to appear more toned and tightened, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. There are also special types of kaolin clays, such as Brazilian red and crude clays that have clinical studies showing extreme improvement in elasticity and firmness.

Kaolin Clay Uses for Skin Care

Kaolin clay has skin benefits for any skin type. Kaolin clay and kaolin clay powder can be used on its own when combined with water or other natural ingredients to create highly effective, chemical-free skin cleansers, masks, scrubs, and more. The following are some of the most common things kaolin clay is used for:

• Gently cleansing skin (excellent alternative cleanser for those with sensitive skin)
• Reducing oily skin
• Purifying and detoxifying the pores, removing dirt, grime, pollution, germs, etc.
• Soothing sensitive and easily irritable skin
• Effective weekly acne treatment
• Exfoliating skin and removing dead cells and flaky, dry skin
• Improving skin elasticity and delaying the signs of aging
• Reducing skin irritations such as bug bites, rashes, poison ivy, and others

Country of origin: France

Description: The white Kaolin clay is the most gentle of all the clays and is useful also for delicate and sensitive skin, because it causes no irritation. It is used for making of natural soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, masks etc. It is rich in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium and that is why it has a good and calming effect on oily skin and acne.

Properties: Kaolin helps to stimulate skin's blood circulation, cleanses it and works as a gentle scrub. It does not absorb fat or moisture from deeper skin tissues so it is also appropriate for dry skin. It has a very mild drying and disinfecting effect; it calms existing acne and prevents new ones from forming.  Because of its high mineral content it has a rejuvenating effect, but it also removes impurities and gives a healthy and shiny look.

Directions for use: Mix dry clay with purified water or a hydrosol and apply it evenly on cleansed skin (face and/or body). You can also add one tablespoon of good quality plant oil and a few drops of essential oils. Leave on for 10 minutes (the clay will dry if you didn't add any oils), rinse thoroughly with water. Apply your favorite toner or hydrosol and moisturizer or plant oil.