Kaolin Clay: What It Is and Why It's Used

Origin

Kaolin is a white clay mineral formed by the weathering of aluminium silicate rocks over millions of years. Its name comes from Gaoling (高嶺), a hill in Jiangxi Province, China, where it was first mined for porcelain production. European potters identified its properties when Chinese porcelain was imported in the 17th century; its use in cosmetics is much older in China and other parts of Asia.

Why It's Used

In face masks and powders, kaolin functions as an absorbent — it takes up excess sebum and water from the skin surface. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with the skin or with other formulation ingredients, which makes it a predictable and safe bulking and texture agent across a wide range of pH conditions.

Elsewhere

Kaolin is one of the most widely used industrial minerals globally. Its primary uses are in paper manufacturing (as a coating agent and filler), ceramics and porcelain, rubber production, and as a filler in plastics. It is also used as a pharmaceutical excipient and in agricultural applications.

What the Framework Sees

Question 5.

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