Fuller's Earth is a naturally occurring absorbent clay mineral material traditionally used for its ability to absorb oils, moisture and other substances from surfaces. It is widely associated with cosmetic applications because of its absorbent, adsorbent, cleansing, mattifying and texture-modifying properties.
Fuller's Earth is not a single chemically pure mineral. The term generally describes naturally occurring clay materials with significant absorbent capacity, and the mineral composition can vary according to geological source. It may contain varying proportions of minerals such as montmorillonite, attapulgite/palygorskite, kaolinite, illite and other clay or silicate minerals.
In cosmetic formulations, suitable cosmetic-grade Fuller's Earth can be used in face masks, cleansing products, scrubs, skin-care powders and other personal-care formulations where oil absorption and mineral texture are desired.
Because its mineral composition can vary considerably, the exact technical identity, particle size, absorption capacity, heavy-metal profile and other specifications should be confirmed for the selected grade.
Fuller's Earth is an absorbent natural clay material rather than a single fixed chemical compound.
Its important characteristics include:
CAS No.: 8031-18-3
Common identity: Fuller's Earth
INCI: Solum Fullonum
Important CMS note: Fuller's Earth is a naturally occurring mineral/clay material with variable composition. It should not be presented as a single pure chemical compound with a fixed molecular formula. The exact mineral composition and specification depend on geological source and processing.
Unlike a defined chemical substance, Fuller's Earth can contain different clay minerals and associated mineral phases.
Depending on the source, it may contain combinations of:
The exact composition should be established through the supplier's mineralogical and analytical documentation.
The most important characteristic of Fuller's Earth is its absorbent capacity.
Its fine mineral particles and surface characteristics allow it to interact with:
This makes it particularly useful in cosmetic formulations designed for cleansing and oil-control applications.
Fuller's Earth is widely suitable for mineral and clay-based face-mask formulations.
Potential functions include:
It can be formulated alone or combined with other cosmetic clays and mineral ingredients.
Suitable cosmetic grades can be considered for:
Its primary formulation role is generally associated with absorption and mineral texture rather than chemical activity.
Fuller's Earth can be incorporated into selected cleansing formulations where mineral absorbency is desired.
Potential applications include:
Fine grades can be incorporated into selected exfoliating formulations.
The particle size should be controlled according to the intended application because coarse mineral particles can produce excessive abrasion.
Potential applications include:
Because of its absorbent nature, Fuller's Earth can be useful in formulations intended to reduce the appearance of excess surface oil.
It can therefore be considered for:
The actual sensory and absorption performance depends on the grade and formulation.
Fine Fuller's Earth can be used in selected powder formulations.
Potential functions include:
When using Fuller's Earth, formulators should evaluate:
Because Fuller's Earth is a natural mineral material, different sources can have significantly different properties.
Therefore, the following should be confirmed for each grade:
Fuller's Earth can be considered for suitable:
Fuller's Earth is a naturally occurring absorbent clay material used primarily for its oil-absorbing and adsorptive properties.
The commonly listed CAS number is 8031-18-3.
The commonly used cosmetic INCI name is Solum Fullonum.
It can be used for absorption, adsorption, cleansing, mattifying, texture modification and mineral formulation applications.
No. Fuller's Earth is generally insoluble in water but can be dispersed in suitable formulations.
Yes. Suitable cosmetic grades are commonly used in clay and mineral face-mask formulations.
Yes. Oil absorption is one of its primary functional characteristics.
No. Bentonite is a specific clay material dominated by smectite minerals, whereas Fuller's Earth is a broader natural absorbent clay material with variable mineral composition.
No. Montmorillonite is a specific smectite mineral, while Fuller's Earth is a natural clay material that may contain montmorillonite along with other minerals.
No. Kaolin is primarily associated with kaolinite, whereas Fuller's Earth can contain a mixture of different clay minerals and other mineral phases.
Suitable cosmetic-grade Fuller's Earth can be used in masks, cleansers, scrubs, powders and other personal-care formulations. The exact grade should be evaluated for purity, particle size and applicable safety specifications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |