EWG Safety Score
What Is China Clay?
Best known as kaolin, China clay is a naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties. It is particularly popular in facial masks targeted at reducing skin's surface oil. While its absorbent properties are helpful for those with oily skin, it can be drying for other skin types (especially if used in very high amounts). To avoid this issue, some formulators pair China clay with hydrating/soothing ingredients which work to offset some of its absorbency so skin benefits without feeling dry or tight.
China clay's other reported cosmetic functions include as an anticaking agent, bulking agent, and opacifying agent. Depending on how it's supplied and what it's formulated with, China clay can also function as an abrasive agent. As a raw material, China clay is a soft, white clay comprised predominantly of kaolinite, a hydrated aluminum silicate. According to the Personal Care Council, "Kaolin is extracted from kaolinized granite by washing it out with powerful and remote water hoses. The clay stream is then pumped to the separation plant where sand and mica are removed. The purified clay is filtered when wet and then dried. The very fine powder is formed by milling."
Purified China clay (kaolin) has a long history of safe use in cosmetics. Further supporting its safety, kaolin has been generally recognized as safe (also known as GRAS status) by the US FDA as a direct food additive.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
Molecules, August 2016, pages 1–20 Molecules, 2016
-
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 19–27 The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2013
-
Complementary Medicine Research, April 2012, pages 75–79 Complementary Medicine Research, 2012
-
International Geology Review, July 2010, pages 745–770 International Geology Review, 2010
-
International Journal of Toxicology, 2003, pages 37–102 International Journal of Toxicology, 2003
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizPart of a family
China Clay is a variant of Kaolin, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties | Particularly popular in facial masks targeted at reducing skin’s surface oil
Related Ingredients
Kaolin
Naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties | Particularly popular in facial masks targeted at reducing skin’s surface oil
Kaolin Clay
Gentle white clay for all skin types
Cerium Oxide
A nanoparticle ingredient with antioxidant potential for skin-comforting and skin regeneration
Charcoal Extract
A finely milled powder derived from charred plant material, used to condition and opacify skincare formulations
Charcoal Powder
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen One teaspoonful of Activated Charcoal USP has a surface area of more than 10,000 square feet
Distarch Phosphate
A modified starch that absorbs moisture and helps powders maintain texture
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.