Kaolin clay
Kaolin is a white clay made mostly of the mineral kaolinite, a hydrated aluminum silicate formed by the weathering of feldspar-rich rock. It is mined, mixed into a water slurry, separated from sand and mica, sometimes bleached or magnetically cleaned to remove iron, then dried and milled. It swells very little in water. Cosmetic brands buy fine white kaolin for masks, powders and deodorants, and colored kaolins whose color comes from iron oxides.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Refined, low-iron kaolin with a bright white color; the standard grade for powders and masks.
Pink, red and yellow clays colored by naturally present or added iron oxides; ask whether the color is from the deposit or blended in, since added iron oxides are color additives.
Milled to a stated particle size or mesh for smooth feel in pressed and loose powders.
Clay heat treated or otherwise processed to a lower microbial count for leave-on and baby products.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store kaolin sealed in a dry place, away from moisture, and handle fine powder with dust control. It is a stable mineral and does not degrade in normal storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of microbiology and moisture for older stock.
Whiteness, particle size and metals vary with the deposit, so record origin, color and metals results for each lot and keep a retained sample. Approve colored clays against a reference sample because shade differs between lots.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 347.10 lists kaolin at 4 to 20 percent as an active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 186.1256 describes clay (kaolin) as hydrated aluminum silicate and affirms it as GRAS as an indirect human food ingredient used in making paper and paperboard that contact food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists kaolin with common names including bolus alba, china clay and hydrated aluminum silicate, and non-medicinal purposes including abrasive, absorbent, anticaking agent and suspending agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.605(a) lists kaolin among nonsynthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled organic.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Oxford, CT
Connecticut supplier, trading as Praan Naturals, of certified organic and conventional carrier oils, butters, waxes, clays and botanicals for personal care manufacturers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include white kaolin (USP / cosmetic grade), colored kaolins, fine and micronized powders and low-microbial grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity, particle size, pH and loss on ignition, color and whiteness, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store kaolin sealed in a dry place, away from moisture, and handle fine powder with dust control. It is a stable mineral and does not degrade in normal storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of microbiology and moisture for older stock.
21 CFR 347.10 lists kaolin at 4 to 20 percent as an active ingredient in the OTC skin protectant monograph. 21 CFR 186.1256 describes clay (kaolin) as hydrated aluminum silicate and affirms it as GRAS as an indirect human food ingredient used in making paper and paperboard that contact food. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists kaolin with common names including bolus alba, china clay and hydrated aluminum silicate, and non-medicinal purposes including abrasive, absorbent, anticaking agent and suspending agent. 7 CFR 205.605(a) lists kaolin among nonsynthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled organic.
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