KAOLIN

Kaolin is a fine-grained white clay consisting mainly of kaolinite. It is a widespread clay mineral that occurs in sedimentary rocks, also known as mudstones. The fine, soft powder is characterized by its excellent absorbency.1-3)

Kaolin is a versatile ingredient in cosmetic products and is often used in face masks, cleansing products and make-up, as it absorbs excess sebum and impurities without drying out the skin. Kaolin is particularly suitable for oily skin as it has a mattifying and soothing effect. In cosmetics, kaolin is also used as a stabilizer to improve the consistency and stability of formulations.4,5)

Other applications include its functions as an absorbent, swelling agent, opacifier and powder base. Kaolin can also be used as a white colorant (C.I. 77004) and as an abrasive component in cleaning products.1)

 

(1) Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.

(2) Pinheiro, G., Carvalho, T., Michel, B., Arjona, J., Bobadilha, M., Silva-Valenzuela, M., Costa, T., Valenzuela-Díaz, F. (2020). Characterization of a Brazilian Kaolin and Its Sorption Ability to Mineral Oils. 

(3) Prasad, M., Reid, K., Murray, H. (1991). Kaolin: processing, properties and applications. Applied Clay Science, 6, 87-119.

(4) Awad, M., López-Galindo, A., Setti, M., El-Rahmany, M., Iborra, C. (2017). Kaolinite in pharmaceutics and biomedicine.. International journal of pharmaceutics, 533(1), 34-48.

(5) Kamila, R. (2021). Kaolin in pharmaceutical preparations: a review. Jurnal Ilmiah Farmasi.