Kaolin Clays are some of the most versatile ingredients that you can use in natural skincare. They can be incorporated into soaps, body powders, facials, scrubs, or any number of other skincare products. Their variety of beautiful colors only add to their desirability to a formulator, or a home spa enthusiast. Kaolin Clays provide the natural skincare artist with a wonderful palette of colors and properties to draw from. The distinct colorings of these clays are quite striking when combined. Whether used for presentation, or in treatments, taking advantage of Kaolin Clays similar natures and gorgeous colorings present a unique opportunity to be creative.
White Kaolin Clay
The soft, fluffy texture and pure white appearance of White Kaolin Clay make it not only aesthetically pleasing, but ideal for mild exfoliation when used in a cleanser or scrub. This gentle clay is perfect for sensitive skin and is often used in shave creams or soaps for the silky slip that it provides. White Kaolin clay can be used as a face or body mask along with almost any wetting agent, including Hydrosols, purified water, or Aloe Vera Gel. Try adding milk, yogurt or even pureed cucumbers to your fresh masks. For sensitive skin treatments, Oatmeal and other grain products are great additions to White Kaolin Clay masks.
Yellow Kaolin Clay
Like other Kaolin clays, Yellow Kaolin has mild absorption and a soft texture. While still being gentle, it provides slightly stronger absorption than is found in White Kaolin. It is safe for use on most skin types and therefore a very versatile skin care ingredient. It is even safe for use on sensitive skin. When used in a facial scrub, Yellow Kaolin Clay will act as a gentle cleanser and exfoliant, stimulating circulation, and leaving skin fresh and bright. The color of this clay is an earthy gold, making it an attractive additive for honey themed products.
Red Kaolin Clay
Red Kaolin has a considerably stronger drawing power than other Kaolin Clays. While most clays in the Kaolin variety are ideal for dry, sensitive, and normal skin types, Red Kaolin is more suitable for oily skin. It can make a great addition to acne masks or detoxifying body wraps. It’s bold coloring, a dusty red orange, makes it an ideal additive for coloring heavy duty soaps. Due to it’s strong drawing ability, Red Kaolin Clay should not be used in a facial more than once per week.
Pink Kaolin Clay
Red and White Kaolin have been skillfully combined to their ideal balance to create Pink Kaolin Clay. This beautiful clay is ideal for normal skin types due to its unique balance of properties. The Red Kaolin Clay provides a deep absorption of toxins and excess oil from the skin while the gentle White Kaolin keeps the skin from becoming irritated or overly dried. Unlike many cosmetic clays, Pink Kaolin has a very vibrant, bold color. It can make a lovely addition to soaps, scrubs or dusting powders.
Just a question. Won’t clays clog your pores?
Thank you for your question! To the best of my knowledge, these clays actually help to draw the oils that can cause clogged pores away from your skin. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so there is a chance that these clays could cause certain people to break out. But in general, I believe these clays are known to help reduce clogged pores.
Thanks for all the great info on the clays. It makes it easy to see what each are used for in a list like this, especially for a beginner working in clays.
I’m happy to hear that this was helpful. I love kaolin clays, and think they are a great choice for beginners!
For combination skin, would it be beneficial to use two different kinds of clay on two different areas of your face?
You certainly could try combining these clays! Applying different clays to different sections of your face might be a very fun experience. You can also try mixing the clays together to achieve a customized balance of properties. If you find one type of Kaolin to be too harsh, and another type to be too weak, you could try combining the two clays into one powder. That is the beauty of creating your own natural skincare treatments! You can always customize a recipe to suit your unique skin type.
Thanks for all the info on clays. I made an exfoliating scrub from the white kaolin and oatmeal because I have incredibly sensitive skin. It worked beautifully and I had no reactions to it. My skin was glowing and several people commented on my glow.
I use a very similar cleanser as my daily face wash. Isn’t it great? When I have it on hand, I use plain yogurt as a wetting agent in place of water. The lactic acid exfoliates very well, without the need for harsh scrubbing. Give it a try if you have a chance!
These clays look devine. I’m definitely adding this to my Christmas list!
I’m happy to hear that, Fanta. I’ll be posting some articles on our other clays later this week. Keep an eye out for them!
how can the clays be used in a body powder or make up? Would they have the same detoxifying effects on the skin, like helping absorb excess oils?
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for visiting The Natural Beauty Workshop. Kaolin Clays can certainly be incorporated into body powders or makeups, but they should be used as an additive, along with more traditional ingredients for those kinds of recipes. Kaolin Clay wont provide much detoxification when used in these applications, but it should help to absorb excess oil, which can be handy in makeups.
Does clay have any jagged edges OR anything that would “scratch or tear” the skin. What does it look like under a microscope?
Thank you, Julie
Hi Julie. Cosmetic Grade Clay does not have any jagged edges, as it has been refined down to a particle size suited for cosmetic use. Other grades of clay, however, could have rougher textures. Be sure to purchase only Cosmetic Grade Clay from trusted sources for your skin care recipes.
Can I use clay as a morning daily cleanser and oat meal at night
You can certainly use the Kaolin Clay and Oatmeal as cleansers, either separately, or mixed together.