KAOLIN

Kaolin is a fine-grained white clay consisting mainly of kaolinite. It is a widely occurring clay mineral found in sedimentary rocks, also known as claystones. 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 makeup because it absorbs excess sebum and impurities without drying out the skin. Kaolin is particularly suitable for oily skin as it has a mattifying effect and soothes at the same time. In cosmetics, kaolin is also used as a stabilizer to improve the consistency and stability of formulations. (4-5)

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

(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.