KAOLIN

KAOLIN

EXCIPIENT ⎪ TEXTURE AGENT

What is kaolin?

Kaolin, also called "white clay", is a soft mineral clay, rich in hydrated aluminum silicate. This natural clay is prized for its fine and silky texture, which makes it ideal for skin care and the cosmetic applications. Kaolin is often used in face masks, the products of makeup and the hair care for its purifying and absorbent properties, while being gentle on sensitive skin. Its characteristic white color comes from its natural purity and its low level of ferrous minerals, which distinguishes it from other types of clay such as green clay or red clay.

In cosmetics, we appreciate this clay for its absorbent, softening and mattifying properties on the skin. 

In our Happy Cycles Body Serum, it is added astexture agent to give a pleasant consistency of the product and one smooth and even application.

Where does kaolin come from?

Kaolin takes its name from the Kaoling region in China, where it was first discovered and exploited. This white clay is extracted from decomposed granite soils and is mainly found in deposits in China, France, United States and Brazil. The purity and fineness of this clay were first recognized in the fine porcelain production in China, before its Cosmetic and therapeutic applications are spreading across the world.

Kaolin is today widely extracted and purified for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, ensuring its safety and effectiveness for topical use.

Properties and active ingredients:

Kaolin is a soft and fine clay, composed of minerals which give it purifying and soothing properties. Its main characteristics and active ingredients include:

1. Absorbency : Kaolin has a moderate absorption capacity that helps remove excess oil and impurities from the skin without drying it out, making it ideal for dry, sensitive or combination skin.
2. Soothing properties : Thanks to its softness, kaolin calms irritation and redness, making it a clay suitable for reactive or blemish-prone skin.
3. Light exfoliating effect : Due to its fine texture, kaolin helps gently remove dead skin cells, contributing to a brighter, more even complexion.
4. Natural minerals : Kaolin contains minerals such as silicon, which promote the health and regeneration of the skin, providing essential nutrients to maintain skin balance.

Benefits:

Kaolin is particularly appreciated in skin care and cosmetic applications for its varied benefits:

1. Gentle skin purification : Kaolin helps rid the skin of its impurities, while respecting its natural balance. Unlike other more aggressive clays, it does not dry out the skin, making it suitable for sensitive or dehydrated skin.
2. Regulation of sebum production : Thanks to its absorbent power, kaolin helps regulate sebum production, thus helping to prevent blackheads and imperfections, particularly on combination skin.
3. Mattifying effect : By absorbing excess sebum, kaolin helps to mattify the complexion, leaving skin with a fresh and radiant appearance.
4. Improved skin texture : Regular use of kaolin can refine skin texture and make the complexion more even by gently removing dead cells.
5. Soothes irritations : When applied topically, kaolin calms redness and skin inflammation, promoting immediate comfort for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness.

How to consume kaolin?

Kaolin is mainly used topically, in the form of powders, masks and other cosmetic products. Here is how it can be applied for skin care:

• Face mask : Kaolin is frequently used as a base for purifying masks. Mix a teaspoon of kaolin powder with water, rose water or a hydrosol of your choice to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to the face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. This type of mask helps to gently purify the skin without attacking it.
• Loose powder or deodorant : In cosmetics, kaolin can be used as an ingredient in loose powders, where it absorbs excess sebum, mattifies the skin and helps prolong the wear of makeup. It is also present in certain natural deodorant formulas for its absorbent and soothing properties.
• Dry shampoo : Kaolin is also used in dry shampoos, where it helps absorb excess oil from the roots, providing volume and freshness to hair between washes.
• Ingredient in skin and body care : Due to its soothing properties, kaolin is a popular ingredient in creams and lotions for sensitive skin, where it helps calm irritation and soften the skin.

Any side effects?

Kaolin is generally well tolerated and considered safe for topical use. However, certain side effects may appear in cases of extremely sensitive skin or excessive use:

1. Skin dryness : Although gentle, kaolin can dry out the skin if used too frequently or left on for too long. It is recommended to adapt the frequency of applications according to your skin type.
2. Mild irritations : In rare cases, slight irritation may occur, especially if kaolin is used on very reactive skin. It is best to do a test on a small area of ​​the skin before first use.
3. Inhalation of the powder : When handling kaolin powder, it is recommended to avoid inhalation, as this may cause respiratory irritation. Apply the product with caution, especially in humid environments.