China Kaolin Clay Uses For Skin
China Kaolin Clay for Skin Applications
Kaolin clay sourced from China is a hydrous aluminum silicate with a platy morphology that influences its interaction with dermal layers. Its low impurity profile and controlled particle size make it suitable for topical formulations where inertness and absorbency are required.
Typical Chemical Composition
| Component | Typical Range (wt%) |
|---|---|
| SiO₂ | 45‑50 |
| Al₂O₃ | 35‑38 |
| Loss on Ignition (LOI) | 12‑14 |
| Fe₂O₃ | ≤0.5 |
| TiO₂ | ≤0.2 |
Particle Size Distribution and Surface Characteristics
The clay is milled to achieve a d₅₀ between 2 µm and 5 µm, with a narrow span that reduces abrasive feel in creams and masks. Specific surface area typically ranges from 10 m²/g to 15 m²/g, providing sufficient adsorption capacity for sebum and polar impurities without excessive drying.
Surface chemistry remains largely neutral (pH ≈ 6‑7 in aqueous suspension), which helps maintain formulation stability and minimizes irritation risk for sensitive skin types.
Functional Roles in Skin‑Care Formulations
- Acts as a rheology modifier, imparting thixotropic behavior that improves spreadability and reduces sag in emulsions.
- Provides matte finish by absorbing excess oil, a property quantified by sebum absorption rates of 0.8‑1.2 g oil per g clay under standardized conditions.
- Serves as a carrier for active ingredients, allowing controlled release due to its layered structure and intercalation capacity.
- Functions as a gentle physical exfoliant when incorporated at ≤5 wt%, delivering smooth micro‑abrasion without micro‑tearing.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Each batch undergoes laser diffraction for particle size, ICP‑OES for elemental purity, and pH measurement in 10 % slurry. Microbial limits are verified via USP <61> and <62> methods, ensuring compliance with cosmetic ingredient standards.
Loss on drying is kept below 0.5 % to guarantee consistent moisture content, which influences both rheological performance and shelf life of the final product.
Packaging Options
The clay is supplied in multi‑wall polyethylene bags with inner moisture‑barrier liners, available in 25 kg net weight for industrial users. Smaller 5 kg bags are offered for laboratory or pilot‑scale trials. All packaging includes desiccant packs to maintain ≤0.2 % moisture uptake during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the particle size be tailored for specific formulations?
Yes, jet‑milling or air‑classification can adjust d₅₀ from 1 µm to 10 µm based on desired feel and absorption rate.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Required details include target particle size, order quantity, packaging preference, and destination port for freight calculation.
Are there any regulatory certifications available?
The material complies with COSMOS and Ecocert guidelines for natural ingredients; certificates of analysis and safety data sheets are provided upon request.
Contact for Technical Inquiry
To discuss suitability for your specific skin‑care line, request a sample, or obtain a detailed technical datasheet, please use the inquiry form linked below.
Request Sample & Technical Data