White Kaolin Cosmetic Clay, Super Fine, 100 g

White kaolin is a mineral clay of European origin that performs two functions in a formulation at once: it binds sebum and odours and gives the product a covering, matte character. It is suitable for facial masks, dry shampoos, soaps, bath bombs and deodorants. The fine Super Fine grinding gives products a smooth feel without coarse grains, which is why it is also used in decorative cosmetics.

What kaolin does in a formulation

• Absorption of sebum and impurities – the clay binds excess sebum, making it the base of cleansing and mattifying masks for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Odour absorption – in solid and cream deodorants it works as a sorbent that binds odour-causing substances.
• Mattifying and coverage – in emulsions and powders it acts as an opacifier, reduces skin shine and gives the product an opaque white colour.
• Thickening and body – at higher concentrations it increases viscosity and gives masks and pastes a dense consistency that stays on the skin.
• Mild abrasive component – in scrubs and cleansing products it serves as a gentle abrasive for removing dead skin cells.

Use in formulation

Kaolin is added to the water phase or incorporated additionally into the finished base. It does not dissolve in water, only disperses, so before adding it to an emulsion we recommend mixing it in a small amount of water or glycerin into a smooth paste. Dry powder poured directly into a cream forms lumps that are then difficult to break up.

The indicative dosage is 1 – 10 % in creams and 20 – 50 % in masks and powders. The recommended pH range for the formulation is 5 – 9, which covers common facial and body products.

In cold process soap, kaolin is added mixed into a portion of oils or water to prevent lumps from forming. It whitens the mass and gives it a covering, matte appearance. In bath bombs and salts it is part of the dry mix and remains dispersed in water as a fine suspension. In dry shampoo it forms the base that binds sebum at the roots of hair prone to oiliness.

Suitable for products such as

• cleansing and mattifying facial masks for oily and problem skin
• dry shampoos and hair masks for scalps prone to oiliness
• solid and cream deodorants including foot products
• powders and other loose decorative cosmetics
• cold process soaps and bath bombs
• creams with a matte finish for oily skin

Good to know

A high proportion of clay in a leave-on cream leaves a dry, powdery feel on the skin and can have an astringent effect. For leave-on products, the lower end of the dosage range is therefore used and the rest of the texture is made up of emollient ingredients.

A water-based mask with kaolin will settle over time. A thickener in the water phase, such as xanthan gum, helps to keep the clay in suspension. Masks intended to dry on the skin should be rinsed off before they set completely, to avoid over-drying the skin.

Frequently asked questions