Clay is one of the oldest beauty ingredients there is. Of all the cosmetic clays, kaolin is the gentlest, which is why it suits so many skin types.
What Is Kaolin Clay?
Kaolin is a naturally occurring mineral clay made mostly of kaolinite. It is soft, fine and usually white or pale in color. On ingredient lists it appears simply as Kaolin.
A 2017 review in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics describes how clay minerals are used in dermocosmetic products for their ability to absorb oil and impurities, and for the soft, matte texture they give to formulas.
What It Does for Skin
Absorbs excess oil. Kaolin soaks up surface sebum, so skin looks less shiny and feels fresher.
Helps lift impurities. In masks and cleansers, kaolin helps draw dirt and oil away from the surface of pores.
Stays gentle. Compared with stronger clays such as bentonite, kaolin is milder and less likely to leave skin feeling tight. That makes it a good fit for combination and even dry-leaning skin.
Improves texture. In makeup, kaolin helps create a smooth, soft-matte finish.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
The Blemish Care Clay Mask uses kaolin for a deep-clean feel on oily and blemish-prone skin.
The Blemish Care Purifying Face Wash and Blemish Care Daily Moisturizer include it alongside organic mate leaf extract.
For the scalp, the Deep Cleanse Scalp Scrub – Rosemary & Mint pairs kaolin with sour cherry shell powder. You'll also find kaolin in the Peptide Foundation.
How to Use It
Use a kaolin mask once or twice a week on clean skin. Remove it before it dries completely to keep skin comfortable, then follow with a moisturizer. Cleansers and moisturizers with kaolin can be used as directed.
What the Research Doesn't Say
Kaolin works on the surface. It helps manage shine and lift oil, but it does not change how much oil your skin produces over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kaolin clay good for sensitive skin?
It is the gentlest of the common cosmetic clays and is generally well tolerated.
Will kaolin dry out my skin?
It is milder than other clays, but don't let a mask dry completely, and always follow with moisturizer.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
A Gentle Clean
Kaolin helps skin look fresher and less shiny without stripping it. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection.
Sources
Moraes JDD, et al. Clay minerals: properties and applications to dermocosmetic products and perspectives of natural raw materials for therapeutic purposes. A review. Int J Pharm. 2017;534(1-2):213-219.
Carretero MI. Clay minerals and their beneficial effects upon human health. A review. Appl Clay Sci. 2002;21(3-4):155-163.
