Library
All Topics
White Clay
Commonly known as:
Kaolin / Montmorillonite (I.N.C.I.).
Botanical name:
/
Extraction process:
Extraction from a quarry followed by drying and grinding.
Family:
Phyllosilicates.
Part of the plant extracted:
/
Location:
/
Flowering:
/
Provenance, origin:
Metropolitan France.
Phytochemical composition:
Aluminum silicates, mineral salts (iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc...), alumina.
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Fine powder; Color: White to ivory; Odor: Neutral.
Physical characteristics:
Insoluble in water and oil; pH: 5 to 9; Granulometry: 90% of the powder has a granulometry < 20 μm and 100% < 40 μm; Recommended dosage: From 1 to 10% for a mattifying day cream, from 10 to 20% for a solid shampoo or soap, from 70 to 100% for a mask or dry shampoo.
Benefits:
Purifying, mattifying, softening, soothing, exfoliating, healing, cleansing, adsorbing.
Concerns:
All skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated, sensitive, or discomfort-prone skin; All hair types and scalps, especially dry hair and sensitive scalps.
Details
Applications
Facial Care (purifying masks, cleansing/makeup removing lotions, mattifying creams); Body Care (exfoliating treatments); Hair Care (dry shampoos, hair masks); Hygiene (shower gels, soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, rinsing lotions); Makeup (complexion powders, foundations, eyeshadows).
Method of Preservation
Store in a dry place, protected from light, moisture, air, and heat.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
White clay does not have any specific contraindications. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, should seek medical advice before use. Avoid contact with the eyes and inhalation. During its use, do not let it dry out.
Find out more
White clay is a natural mineral derived from Kaolinite (kaolin) or Montmorillonite, its color stemming from its high alumina content. It was discovered in the Chinese city of Kao-Ling, from which it gets its name. Unlike green clay, white clay is richer in silica but contains fewer minerals and trace elements. Thanks to its "lamellar" or layered structure, it has excellent absorbent properties. Moreover, the presence of mineral salts on its surface gives it a negative charge. In solution, these negative charges attract the positive ions present on the skin's surface. This ionic exchange contributes to the remineralization and detoxification of the skin.