China Clay
INCI: Kaolin
Naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties
EWG Safety Score
What Is China Clay?
Best known as kaolin, China clay is a naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties. It is particularly popular in facial masks targeted at reducing skin’s surface oil. While its absorbent properties are helpful for those with oily skin, it can be drying for other skin types (especially if used in very high amounts). To avoid this issue, some formulators pair China clay with hydrating/soothing ingredients which work to offset some of its absorbency so skin benefits without feeling dry or tight.\n\nChina clay’s other reported cosmetic functions include as an anticaking agent, bulking agent, and opacifying agent.\n\nDepending on how it’s supplied and what it’s formulated with, China clay can also function as an abrasive agent. As a raw material, China clay is a soft, white clay comprised predominantly of kaolinite, a hydrated aluminum silicate. According to the Personal Care Council, “Kaolin is extracted from kaolinized granite by washing it out with powerful and remote water hoses. The clay stream is then pumped to the separation plant where sand and mica are removed. The purified clay is filtered when wet and then dried. The very fine powder is formed by milling.”\n\nPurified China clay (kaolin) has a long history of safe use in cosmetics. Further supporting its safety, kaolin has been generally recognized as safe (also known as GRAS status) by the US FDA as a direct food additive.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Molecules, August 2016, pages 1–20 Molecules, 2016
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The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 19–27 The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2013
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Complementary Medicine Research, April 2012, pages 75–79 Complementary Medicine Research, 2012
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International Geology Review, July 2010, pages 745–770 International Geology Review, 2010
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2003, pages 37–102 International Journal of Toxicology, 2003
Related Ingredients
Alumina
Naturally occurring mineral also called aluminum oxide Used as an abrasive, thickener, and absorbent in cosmetics
Aluminum Silicate
Not available on this page
Bentonite
Clay derived from volcanic ash (which is purified before becoming a cosmetic ingredient)
Boron Nitride
Synthetic, inorganic powder, which in cosmetics has absorbent
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