More Information & Benefits

What does kaolin do for the skin? How is it beneficial for gut health?

Here are some of the potential benefits of using Kaolin clay:

1. Mild and Non-Irritating When Applied to Sensitive Skin

Kaolin is suited for nearly all skin types and is considered one of the most gentle clays available. You’ll find it in products such as facial masks and scrubs that help cleanse and exfoliate the skin, leaving behind a smoother, more even skin tone and texture.

Since it is gentle, it makes a suitable mild cleanser and detoxifying treatment for sensitive skin.

Kaolin also has an appealing pH level that is close to the pH of human skin. This means that it typically isn’t irritating and is a good product for those with sensitive, delicate or dry skin.

You can also apply kaolin to your hair and scalp to help with cleansing and reducing irritation without drying your hair out. Similarly, it can be used in the mouth to help clean the gums and whiten the teeth.

2. Can Help Manage Acne and Signs of Inflammation

According to a 2010 report, natural clays have been used to treat skin infections since the earliest recorded history. Clays have natural antibacterial properties and can kill a broad spectrum of human pathogens that cause skin rashes and acne.

Why is kaolin good for acne? Because it absorbs excess oil and dirt from the skin, it helps clean out pores and prevent blackheads and breakouts.

Some also find it to be soothing and that it can help reduce redness and signs of inflammation.

You can even use it to exfoliate acne-prone skin without worsening irritation. Using it about twice weekly to exfoliate should leave behind softer, smoother, brighter skin that is less oily.

3. May Help Reduce Signs of Aging

For those who are looking to prevent signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, kaolin clay may help to tone and tighten the skin.

There’s some evidence suggesting that it can help improve skin elasticity and firmness due to its ability to remove dead skin cells and flaky, dry skin. The iron found in kaolin clay, especially in red types, is thought to help contribute to its ability to soften skin and fight damage.

It can also improve the overall tone and evenness of skin by decreasing dark spots, redness and signs of irritations.

More uses: 

Purchasing CLAI ~ Welsh kaolin clay powder allows you to make your own natural skin cleansers, facial masks and scrubs at home. You can also look for pre-made products made with kaolinite, or you can add kaolin to your favourite cleansers.

To make your own skin care products using kaolin, combine the smooth clay with a small amount of water to make a paste that is easier to work with. Within the paste there are tiny crystals that help exfoliate, clean and refresh the skin by combining with oil, impurities and dead cells that can then be removed.

The amount of water you need to add depends on the size of the kaolinite particles and the exact chemicals that may be present in the kaolin. Read directions carefully to determine the ratio that is best.

Start with a small amount of water, and increase as needed. You’re looking to form a thin paste-like consistency that is thick enough to slather on your skin.

• Using it on your face — Apply kaolin to damp skin, and rub it in gently. Let it seep into your skin for about five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

• In the bath — Add two pounds of kaolin clay plus two pounds of Epsom salt to a warm soaking bath to simultaneously treat your skin and unwind. You can also add essential oils, such as lavender oil, to further boost relaxation and skin health.

• On your hair — Make a paste using kaolin, and then apply it to your scalp and roots. Let it sit on your hair for about five minutes before rinsing well and conditioning.