KAOLIN
Kaolin is a fine-grained white clay consisting primarily of kaolinite. It is a common clay mineral found in sedimentary rocks, also known as claystones. This fine, soft powder is characterized by its excellent absorbency.(1-3)
Kaolin is a versatile ingredient in cosmetic products and is frequently used in face masks, cleansers, and makeup because it absorbs excess sebum and impurities without drying out the skin. Kaolin is particularly suitable for oily skin, as it has a mattifying effect while also soothing the skin. In cosmetics, kaolin is also used as a stabilizer to improve the consistency and stability of formulations.(4-5)
Other applications include its use as an absorbent, swelling agent, opacifier, and base material for powders. Kaolin can also be used as a white pigment (C.I. 77004) and as an abrasive component in cleaning products.(1)
(1) Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Encyclopedia of Cosmetics and Personal Care. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.
(2) Pinheiro, G., Carvalho, T., Michel, B., Arjona, J., Bobadilha, M., Silva-Valenzuela, M., Costa, T., Valenzuela-Díaz, F. (2020). Characterization of a Brazilian Kaolin and Its Sorption Capacity for Mineral Oils.
(3) Prasad, M., Reid, K., Murray, H. (1991). Kaolin: processing, properties, and applications. Applied Clay Science, 6, 87–119.
(4) Awad, M., López-Galindo, A., Setti, M., El-Rahmany, M., Iborra, C. (2017). Kaolinite in pharmaceutics and biomedicine. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 533(1), 34–48.
(5) Kamila, R. (2021). Kaolin in pharmaceutical preparations: a review. Jurnal Ilmiah Farmasi.
