White clay

White clay is a rock composed of kaolinite minerals and quartz grains. It occurs naturally in rock formations, ranges in colour from white to brown and is rich in silicon. This mineral clay forms over long geological periods through the breakdown of feldspar rocks, particularly in areas with clay deposits such as China, Great Britain and the USA. In cosmetics, it is used as a natural extract obtained without chemical synthesis, through direct mining and purification of the deposits. Its fine texture and high aluminium oxide content make it ideal for gentle cosmetic applications, where it replaces harsher cleansing agents. Historically, it was used in traditional Chinese medicine for wound healing and detoxification.

White clay has strong absorbent properties that allow it to effectively bind excess sebum, impurities and toxins on the skin. It supports hydration by allowing moisturising ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively once impurities have been absorbed. It restores the skin barrier by removing pore-clogging impurities, supporting the skin’s natural protective function. It gently exfoliates by breaking down dead skin cells without irritation, soothes inflammation and tightens pores by regulating sebaceous gland activity. A concentration of 10-20 % is recommended in face masks for optimal results without drying out the skin.

It is particularly recommended for oily, acne-prone and combination skin, where it regulates sebum production and helps prevent clogged pores. It is also suitable for sensitive and irritated skin thanks to its gentle, non-abrasive action. For dry skin, combine it with moisturising oils; for mature skin, add antioxidants such as vitamin E. It is not recommended for extremely dry or atopic skin without a patch test.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018) showed that kaolin at a concentration of 15 % in masks reduced sebum production by 28 % and pore diameter by 22 % after 4 weeks of use in people with oily skin. Further research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2004) confirmed that kaolin absorbs 40 % more sebum than bentonite and reduces inflammatory markers by 35 %.