For centuries, beauty enthusiasts have turned to kaolin clay to address various skincare concerns. This natural ingredient, mined since the Stone Age and favored in Asian beauty routines, remains popular due to its diverse benefits.
What is Kaolin Clay?
Kaolin clay is a mineral-rich white clay composed of silica and alumina. It originates from granite that undergoes a hydraulic process, separating the rock from its valuable mineral components. It is considered one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and is mined all over the world. The primary mineral found in kaolin clay is a white mineral called kaolinite.
The color of kaolin clay is determined by its mineral composition, and while typically white, it can also exhibit pink, green, or red tints. The red or pink tints come from a higher concentration of iron oxide as well as illite, calcite and montmorillonite. Green tinted clay gets its color from various plant matter in addition to iron oxide. In skincare, kaolin clay is a popular ingredient in clay masks due to its oil-absorbing properties.
Key Benefits of Kaolin Clay Masks
Kaolin clay offers a range of benefits for the skin, making it a versatile ingredient for various skincare needs.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Pores, the tiny openings on the skin's surface, play a crucial role in regulating body temperature and maintaining skin function. However, excess oil and dirt can become trapped in pores, leading to clogs that cause rough skin texture, blemishes, and blackheads. Kaolin clay helps to visibly clear clogged pores by binding to the oil and dirt, drawing them out and unclogging the pores.
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair
When your pores are consistently cleared out of clog-causing oil and dirt, you can often see clearer-looking skin.
Oil Control and Mattifying Effect
Excess surface oil can cause the skin to appear shiny. Kaolin clay's natural affinity for oil allows it to draw out excess oil, resulting in a more matte complexion. Regular use of kaolin clay masks can help manage shine and maintain balanced skin.
Gentle Cleansing Action
Unlike typical cleansers that may contain harsh ingredients, kaolin clay gently cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It deep cleans and absorbs impurities without the use of irritating foaming agents or common cleansing ingredients that can leave the skin feeling irritated and tight. This makes it suitable even for sensitive skin.
Improving Skin Tone
Kaolin clay can help improve the look of tired, dull skin and gently works to reveal a brighter, smoother looking complexion. With regular use, kaolin clay helps improve the look of tired, dull skin and gently works to reveal a brighter, smoother looking complexion.
Acne Treatment
Kaolin clay is an excellent choice for acne and the resulting irritation that accompanies it. Kaolin clay absorbs impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts, all without irritating the skin or causing imbalances that are responsible for the vicious cycle many people get stuck in when using traditional acne treatments. Negatively charged clay binds to positively charged free radicals and toxins. It also absorbs dead skin cells and impurities, without disturbing healthy skin.
Read also: Choosing the right facial peel mask
Soothing Sensitive Skin
Kaolin clay can be a calming treat for sensitive skin, especially if prone to acne. By gently removing surface impurities, excess dirt, and pollution that can cause irritation, kaolin clay is a natural alternative to harsh exfoliating acids and cleansers. If you have sensitive skin its always best to do a patch test to ensure skin compatibility. It’s recommended that you apply a small amount of the product or ingredient in question to a discreet area such as the inside of your elbow or side of your neck.
Exfoliation
Kaolin clay can improve your skin texture by sloughing away dead skin cells and pollution buildup - without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Using a clay mask weekly helps to remove buildup of dead skin and impurities, which can make your skin tone appear uneven and dull if left to accumulate. When you remove these impurities from the top layer of your skin, your skin’s ability to reflect light is improved and in return it appears brighter and more even-toned.
Skin Brightening
Because of its gentle exfoliating and cleansing properties, kaolin clay acts as a natural skin brightening ingredient. Regular use of kaolin clay also helps skin to appear brighter by gently increasing circulation, which promotes a natural glow. Plus, it keeps blemishes and clogged pores at bay.
Study on the Efficacy and Safety of a Clay Mask
A study published in Skin Research and Technology (Zhang X, Zhang Z, Tao H, et al. 2023;29:1-7) evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a clay mask containing kaolin, bentonite, cellulobeads, thermal spring water, and vitamin B5 (panthenol) in managing acne and oily skin. The study involved 75 adults with oily or combination skin, who used the clay mask twice weekly for four weeks.
Study Design and Methods
The study included participants aged 18 to 45 with oily or combination skin and self-declared sensitive skin at least 50% of the time. Participants also had to have an open and closed comedone on the face or nose, with mild or moderate acne rated less than or equal to 2 on the ISGA scale. Exclusion criteria included chronic diseases, use of certain medications, cancer diagnosis or treatment, skin conditions, and pregnancy or nursing status.
Read also: PRP Facial Recovery Tips
Participants were instructed to apply the clay mask for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off with water. Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of the intervention. Dermatologists evaluated acne lesions, skin irritation, and subjective discomfort effects. Sebum content was assessed using the Sebumeter SM‐815, Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) was evaluated using a Vapometer, and hydration level of the stratum corneum was determined using a Corneometer CM 825. Frontal images of the face were captured using VISIA‐CR to assess pore area, skin color evenness, and porphyrin area. Participants also completed questionnaires to assess subjective experiences, perceptions, and satisfaction levels with the product.
Key Findings
The study revealed significant improvements in acne-related outcomes, sebum content, skin evenness, stratum corneum water content, and transepidermal water loss following the application of the clay mask. Pore area and porphyrin area showed no significant changes. The clay mask was found to be effective in managing acne and oily skin, improving hydration and texture. High product safety was also observed, supporting its suitability for use.
Specifically, the study found that the number of both open and closed comedones, sebum content, skin evenness, stratum corneum water content, and transepidermal water loss were all significantly improved, with changes noticeable from the immediate post‐treatment period and sustained throughout the course of the study.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
The clay mask's key constituents, kaolin and bentonite, can effectively extract surplus oil from the skin, thereby attenuating sebum production and decreasing the likelihood of pore blockage. Additionally, the cellulobeads help regulate the skin's moisture balance, mitigating any potential drying effects of the clays and preventing a compensatory overproduction of sebum.
Safety and Tolerance
Throughout the study, both objective and subjective assessments consistently indicated the safety of the clay mask. The significant decrease in skin dryness and total irritation score, along with reductions in sensations of itching and tightness from immediate post‐treatment to week 4, reflect the product's tolerability.
Subjective Assessment
The self-assessment results further reinforced the efficacy and acceptability of the clay mask. The majority of participants reported ease of application and wash‐off immediately after product use, highlighting the practicality of the product. Remarkably, after a week of use, all participants perceived the product's oil control effectiveness, suggesting a tangible, positive impact on skin oiliness.
How to Use Kaolin Clay Masks
To maximize the benefits of kaolin clay masks, consider these tips:
Double Cleanse Before Use
Double cleansing before applying a kaolin clay mask helps remove surface-level debris, allowing the clay to penetrate deeper into the pores for a more thorough cleanse. Start with a cleansing oil to melt away dirt, makeup, and oil, followed by a foaming cleanser to rinse away impurities.
Regular Use
For consistent results, use a kaolin clay mask once or twice a week. Incorporate mask time into a relaxing self-care routine for an at-home spa experience.
Moisturize After Masking
Always follow up with a moisturizer after using a clay mask to keep the skin hydrated and balanced.
Considerations for Different Skin Types
Kaolin clay is generally gentle and suitable for most skin types, but here's how it caters to specific needs:
Oily and Combination Skin
Kaolin clay is particularly beneficial for oily and combination skin due to its oil-absorbing properties. It helps to control excess sebum production, prevent clogged pores, and reduce shine.
Dry and Sensitive Skin
Dry Skin Types: Kaolin clay is gentle enough to use on dry skin. It cleanses and exfoliates without stripping the skin of its natural oils, making it suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, it's essential to choose a kaolin clay mask formulated with moisturizing ingredients to prevent over-drying.