Kaolin

Kaolin is a white, soft, plastic clay mainly composed of fine-grained plate-like particles. Kaolin is formed when the anhydrous aluminum silicates which are found in feldspar rich rocks, like granite, are altered by weathering or hydrothermal processes.

In cosmetics, kaolin helps to cleanse and exfoliate debris and skin cells on the surface of the skin. It does this by absorbing excess oil and water into itself as well as making a paste when mixed with water that has a texture. It is used for these benefits in fresh cleansers and face masks. We blend this soft clay with all sorts of beautiful essential oils and fresh ingredients, mixing it into a versatile paste that can be unpackaged such as our fresh roll cleansers, or gently baked to create solid self-preserving Toothy Tabs.

Its ability to absorb moisture into itself means it is an excellent ingredient to support product formulas that are self-preserving, by hiding water within itself away from bacteria, yeasts or molds. Clays and powders like Kaolin are highly valuable as natural preservatives: hiding excess water that may be active within a formula. By carefully mixing up ingredients in a process called dispersion, microorganisms cannot grow and reproduce, enabling products to stay fresh and clean for longer.