Kaolin Clay: What is It and Should You Use It
Published Sept 26, 2021
When it comes to very detoxifying and gentle cleansers, several amazingly effective natural resources offer substantial advantages over more conventional, chemically enhanced solutions. Kaolin clay is an all-natural ingredient that contributes to a clean beauty, toxin-free, vegan skin care regimen. Plus, it’s also wonderful for all skin types when used as a cleanser, exfoliant, and blemish treatment, among other things!
Defining Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay, often known as white clay or China clay, is composed mostly of the mineral kaolinite. The term ‘kaolin’ is derived from the Chinese village of ‘Gaoling’ in the southeast province of Jiangxi. While the mineral is a bright white color in its purest form, the clay typically has a colorful hue based on the mineral makeup of the places where it is mined. For example, reddish hues are created by elevated amounts of iron oxide deposits, whereas green hues are caused by degraded plant materials. It is one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, mined in countries ranging from China to the United States to Brazil.
Today, kaolin clay is utilized in the production of pottery and paper and for health and beauty. Indeed, it is believed that clay was one of the first materials used to produce pottery. Kaolin clay is a natural anti-inflammatory agent used therapeutically to heal internal sores or ulcers, notably in the digestive tract. Additionally, it is a highly effective base for face masks and scrubs.
Benefits of Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay has significant purifying and energizing properties when used in cosmetics and skincare.
The clay is a mild cleanser suitable for all skin types, removing pollutants and absorbing excess oils without producing inflammation or redness. Numerous people use kaolin clay to cure acne and outbreaks. For generations, kaolin clay has been used to absorb excess oil from the skin, avoiding outbreaks before they occur. Additionally, it is ideal for assisting in restoring skin that has been harmed by recurrent breakouts of acne. Some have discovered that regular use helps balance their skin’s oil production, alleviating the symptoms of oily skin. When blended with water, kaolin clay forms a smooth paste, and its tiny crystals gently exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Due to its soft nature, kaolin clay is an excellent cleanser and detoxifier for sensitive skin.
With continued application, kaolin clay can help tone and tighten your skin, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, there are specialty kaolin clays, such as Brazilian red and crude clays, shown in clinical testing to improve elasticity and firmness significantly.
Kaolin Clay for Skin Care
Kaolin clay is beneficial to all skin types. When combined with water or other natural materials, kaolin clay and kaolin clay powder can be used alone to create highly effective, chemical-free face cleansers, masks, and scrubs. The following are the most common applications for kaolin clay:
- Gently cleansing for your skin (excellent alternative cleanser for those with sensitive skin)
- Eliminating oily skin
- Purification and detoxification of the pores, including the removal of dirt, filth, pollution, and germs
- Sensitive and easily irritated skin is soothed
- Weekly acne treatment that is effective
- Exfoliation is the process of eliminating dead skin cells and flaky, dry skin
- Enhancing the suppleness of the skin and preventing the onset of indications of age
- Eliminating skin irritations such as insect bites, rashes, and poison ivy
Kaolin Clay Colors
Rose (Pink) Clay: Copper, selenium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc are the minerals that give this clay its gorgeous natural hue. Its pH level is typically closest to that of human skin, making it ideal for persons with sensitive skin or those who have sensitive or delicate skin.
Red Clay: The red clay’s hue is mostly due to the presence of significant quantities of iron oxide in the area where it is found. Due to the iron’s ability to immediately soften skin, this is one of the greatest options for aging or damaged skin. Clinical studies have demonstrated that red kaolin clay can increase skin firmness by 37% and elasticity by up to 173 percent.
Green Clay: The hue of green clay is due to the presence of significant concentrations of ancient plant remains in the areas surrounding its discovery, as well as high levels of iron oxide. This kaolin clay variant has the highest absorption rate, making it the best kaolin clay for acne and persons with overly oily skin.
10 Reasons Why You Should Use Kaolin Clay
1. It Works For All Skin Types
If you have sensitive skin, kaolin clay is perfect for you. Thanks to its light and very soft texture, it cleanses your skin without drying it out. That’s why it works for all skin types but is especially effective for sensitive skin.
2. It’s Milder Than Most Cosmetic Clays
Some cosmetic clays may effectively draw out impurities from your skin, but it also strips the skin of its natural moisture. This leaves it dry and lifeless. But since kaolin has the lowest pH level, it is milder than most cosmetic clays. So it does not irritate your skin. It’s so mild it can even be used as an all-natural alternative to baby powder.
3. It’s An Excellent Exfoliator
Since kaolin is light and soft, it’s an excellent exfoliator, particularly if you have sensitive skin. It gently sloughs off dead skin cells without causing painful abrasions.
4. It Detoxifies Your Skin
It’s common knowledge that our pores are home to billions of bacteria, dead skin cells, and toxins. Combine it with sebum that your pores naturally produce, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Like most mineral clays, kaolin draws out these impurities and detoxifies your skin. Think of it like a magnet that sucks out all those dirt from inside your pores. This leaves your skin refreshed and your pores as clean as they should be.
5. You Won’t Have to Worry About Excess Oil
For some women, battling oily skin is the story of their entire adult life. Don’t get me wrong. Oil is good for your skin, but too much of it can cause a host of skin problems. And don’t get me started about how it makes you look like you just came out of a deep fryer.
But with kaolin clay, you can finally bid adieu to your oily skin woes. It absorbs excess oil from your skin and leaves just the right amount of moisture. So your skin feels soft and glowing.
6. It Shrinks Your Pores
Big pores make you look old and tired. This is why you need kaolin clay. It deeply cleanses your pores, emptying them of dirt and other impurities. And with nothing blocking it or filling it up, your pores will shrink back to their original size, making it less noticeable.
7. You Can Say Goodbye to Acne
Acne breakouts are the bane of our adulthood. Various factors cause acne. But the usual culprits have blocked pores.
When dirt and bacteria get inside your pores, it swells and gets inflamed. This causes acne breakouts. This is why regular deep pore cleansing is essential in preventing acne. And that’s where kaolin clay comes in. It rids your pores of acne-causing bacteria, thus preventing acne breakouts.
8. It Can Whiten Your Teeth Too
Yes, you read it right. Apparently, kaolin clay is not just good for our skin. It can help whiten our teeth too. In fact, it’s used in toothpaste and gum powders. By creating gentle abrasions, kaolin clay polishes the teeth and slowly removes plaque and cavities. Plus, it’s rich in calcium which, as we all know, strengthens the teeth. Since it’s all-natural, anyone can use it, even those with sensitive gums.
9. It’s a Natural Deodorant Alternative
The kaolin clay’s impurity-absorbing properties are not just limited to your face. It can absorb dirt and toxins in other parts of your body, too, like your armpits. Just lather some kaolin paste on your armpits instead of your usual deodorant. Leave it for a few minutes and wash it off with water. Over time, your underarms will also become whiter and feel softer.
10. It Cleanses Your Hair Without Making It Dry
There’s just so much you can do with kaolin clay. Aside from cleansing your face and teeth, you can also use it to clean your hair. It’s especially recommended if you have a dry scalp since kaolin doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils. Massaging it on your scalp also helps improve blood circulation, which, in turn, nourishes the roots and promotes hair growth.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is a professional writer for several reputable digital magazines and publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up. She has a bachelors degree in Psychology.