If you are confused about which type of clay mask suits your skin, kaolin is one of the best types of clay and deserves to be in the spotlight. You can find this content in various beauty care products, thanks to its various benefits. It targets excess oil and blackheads to create smoother, softer, and matte-looking skin. However, there are still many people who ask a frequent question: is kaolin safe for skin? Is it? Find out the answer below.

What You Should Know about Kaolin

The name Kaolin itself is derived from a hill in China where this clay was discovered for the first time. So, kaolin clay is also known as China clay. Kaolin clay is primarily white with a soft texture. Nowadays, you may also find kaolin clay in various colors, and it depends on which type of other minerals also exists in the clay. It is known that the whiter the clay is, the better its substances for the skin.

It is argued that kaolin clay has the softest texture among other types of clay masks. The clay consists of silica dioxide and neutral pH, so it is useful to make the skin healthier. Often called white clay, kaolin is a type of clay that can either be found in nature or produced in the laboratory. Its benefits are varied enough that it is commonly used in medicines and make-up. When mixed in skincare formulas, kaolin enhances absorption and acts as a drying agent.

Is Kaolin Safe for Skin and How to Use it?

Some clinical tests found that kaolin clay has no dangers for the skin, especially the facial skin. However, if your skin is pretty dry, you should try not to use it too often. Also, try not to inhale the clay. Due to its functions to smoothen the skin and reduce oil, kaolin is generally used in skincare and cosmetic products. Its gentle texture makes it ideal as well for exfoliation.

Kaolin also offers ideal antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, therefore, it may be beneficial to treat any irritation, but it needs more research to prove its effectiveness. The following is how you can use kaolin clay.

1. Face mask

Mix half a teaspoon of Manuka honey with two teaspoons of kaolin clay and half a teaspoon of rose water, witch hazel, or purified water. Apply the clay mask to your skin that has been cleaned and dried. Let it rest for about 10–20 minutes. Wash away the mask with a cleanser and dry your face with a towel.

2. Face exfoliant

Mix one and a half teaspoons of kaolin clay with 3/4 teaspoons of rose water, witch hazel, or purified water. Make your face wet, and apply the mask to your skin. Exfoliate your face with the mixture gently in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Finish it off by rinsing your face using some warm water.

3. Facial cleanser

Stir two teaspoons of kaolin clay with a teaspoon of any of your favorite facial oil, such as apricot, jojoba, or squalane. After wetting your face, apply the mixture to your face. Massage the face gently with the mixture for more or less 30 seconds. Finish with a warm-water rinse.

4. Hair mask

Combine three tablespoons of kaolin clay with a tablespoon of facial oil of your choice, one and a half tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two teaspoons of rose water. Spread the mixture onto the hair shaft and the scalp. Leave it on for 5–15 minutes. Once it is dry, wash it off with shampoo.

Precautions on Kaolin Uses for Skincare

Although kaolin is quite a safe substance for skincare, if you have dry skin, you don’t want to use it too often as it will make your skin too dry. Therefore, it is wiser that you find out your skin type first; then, you will know how much kaolin clay mask you need to apply every day.

To conclude this article, as a mineral with multiple benefits, kaolin is also safe enough to apply as a clay mask on your skin. Now that you have known quite a lot about the useful mineral, you won’t have to ask that question: “is kaolin safe for skin?” anymore.

Frequently Asked Question on Skincare: Is Kaolin Safe for Skin?