A clay substance mostly found in soil that has naturally developed from the chemical weathering of rocks in hot, moist climates. A good example of such a climate is the tropical rain forest. It is also called ‘China clay,’ ‘White clay,’ ‘White Cosmetic clay,’ ‘Hydrated Aluminum Silicate,’ and ‘Kaolinite clay.’

Kaolin clay has traditionally been used in nourishing, and soothing different skin types. Kaolin is one of the major active ingredients in most facial and skin products, body powders, deodorants, scrubs, and poultices either used alone or in combination with other products.

The clay can be effectively used to care for oily skin. It is applied on the skin as a dusting powder or in a moist dressing and let sit until dry then washed out. Kaolin clay reduces the production of sebum that makes skin oily.

According to INGNL 2009, Kaolin clay is used as a skin detoxifying and cleansing agent because of its high silica content that removes dead skin and helps it regenerate. In addition, its unique minerals and phyto-nutrients eliminate toxins and oils from the skin.

To detoxify and clean the skin, Kaolin clay is used in body wraps, where a thin layer is applied on the body and left intact for 20-30 minutes. When it is washed off, the skin is left with remarkable regenerative properties.

Kaolin clay can be used to heal a variety of skin conditions. For instance, it has been used effectively to treat and heal pain and swelling in the oral mucosa (mouth) resulting from radiation treatments (Barker, et al. 2007).