Kaolin is a naturally occurring fine white clay mineral, composed predominantly of the clay mineral kaolinite, a hydrated aluminium silicate. It is widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations because of its absorbent, opacifying, bulking, cleansing and texture-modifying properties.
Kaolin is valued for its fine particle size, smooth texture and relatively mild mineral characteristics. It can absorb excess oil and moisture from the skin surface and is therefore commonly used in clay masks, cleansing products, powders and other skin-care formulations.
Cosmetic-grade Kaolin can be available in different levels of whiteness, particle size and mineral purity. Processing and mineral composition can influence its performance, sensory characteristics and suitability for different applications.
Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay material primarily consisting of kaolinite.
It is commonly represented by the chemical formula:
Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Kaolin can provide:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Kaolin |
| INCI Name | Kaolin |
| Chemical Class | Natural Clay / Hydrated Aluminium Silicate |
| Primary Mineral | Kaolinite |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ |
| CAS Number | 1332-58-7 |
| Physical Form | Fine Powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Main Functions | Absorbent, Opacifier, Bulking Agent, Texture Modifier |
| Main Applications | Skin Care, Face Masks, Cleansers, Makeup, Powders |
CAS No.: 1332-58-7
INCI Name: Kaolin
Primary Mineral: Kaolinite
Kaolin is a naturally occurring mineral material rather than a single manufactured molecular substance. High-quality cosmetic Kaolin consists predominantly of kaolinite, but naturally occurring deposits can contain varying amounts of other minerals.
Its properties can vary according to:
For cosmetic applications, the selected grade should comply with the appropriate quality and purity requirements.
Kaolin has a fine mineral surface that can absorb excess oil and moisture from the skin surface.
This makes it useful in:
Compared with highly swelling clays, Kaolin generally provides a different sensory and rheological profile and is often selected when a smoother, milder clay texture is desired.
Kaolin is widely used in cosmetic face-mask formulations.
It can contribute:
Kaolin can be combined with other clays, botanical powders and cosmetic ingredients depending on the desired formulation.
Kaolin can be incorporated into selected cleansing formulations to provide:
It may be used in facial cleansers, clay cleansers and specialty cleansing masks.
Potential cosmetic applications include:
Cosmetic-grade Kaolin can also be used in selected makeup formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can contribute to product texture, bulk, absorbency and opacity.
Fine Kaolin particles can contribute to opacity and the visual characteristics of cosmetic formulations.
This can be useful in:
The degree of opacity depends on particle size, concentration, whiteness and formulation composition.
Kaolin can influence the sensory and physical properties of cosmetic formulations.
It may contribute to:
When using Kaolin, formulators should evaluate:
Kaolin should be dispersed properly to obtain uniform distribution throughout the formulation.
Processing conditions can influence:
Kaolin can be used in suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations including:
Kaolin is a naturally occurring fine clay composed predominantly of kaolinite, a hydrated aluminium silicate.
The commonly referenced CAS number is 1332-58-7.
The INCI name is Kaolin.
Kaolin is used as an absorbent, opacifier, bulking ingredient and texture modifier in suitable cosmetic formulations.
No. Kaolin is insoluble in water and is dispersed as fine mineral particles.
Yes. Kaolin can absorb excess oil and moisture and is commonly used in oil-control and clay-mask formulations.
Yes. Kaolin is widely used in face masks and other clay-based skin-care products.
Yes. Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay mineral material, with kaolinite as its principal mineral component.
Kaolin is primarily composed of kaolinite and generally has relatively low swelling, while Bentonite is predominantly a smectite clay and can have substantially greater swelling and gel-forming capacity.
No. Kaolin and Magnesium Aluminum Silicate are different mineral ingredients with different compositions and functional properties.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |