Kaolin Clay (pharmaceutical) is a non toxic mineral ingredient that can be used in a number of DIY cosmetic recipes, from clay masks to soaps to hair care products. It is famous for its oil absorbing properties that help reduce shine and hide imperfections.
Clays are good ingredients to have on hand - whip up a 'self-care Sunday' facial mask by blending clay with honey and hydrosol, or add it to your soaps for the creamiest bar. Kaolin clay is extremely versatile and perfect for all skin types.
Uses & Benefits
Kaolin Clay Skin Benefits
Kaolin Clay has a long history in its beneficial effects on the skin.
1. Soothing Effects
Kaolin clay has been traditionally used in caring, nourishing, and soothing different skin types. It is applied on the skin as a dusting powder or in a wet dressing and left for sometimes until dry then washed out. Kaolin clay works by reducing the production of sebum. This makes the oily skin to remains smooth and dry.
2. Detoxification
Kaolin clay is used as skin detoxifying and cleansing agent. The clay contains high content of silica that helps in removing the dead skin and makes it to regenerate. This also purifies and detoxes the skin and makes it moist. In addition, it has unique minerals and phytonutrients present, which helps in eliminating toxin and oil from the skin. To detoxify and clean the skin, kaolin clay is used as facial masks and body wraps, where thin layer is applied on the face or on the body and left to stay intact for averagely 20-30 minutes.
3. Skin Conditions
Kaolin clay can be used to treat and heal various skin conditions. such as soreness of the muscles, aches, and pain, inflammations, small and moderate cuts, bruises, boils cold sores, insect bites, and shingles. this is because kaolin clay enhances blood circulation to the skin. Kaolin is mild hence very efficient in improving circulations of the blood to the skin, which facilitate healing of the skin conditions.
Kaolin Clay Medicinal Health Benefits
1. Kaolin Clay has been effectively used to treat and heal soreness and some swellings in the oral mucosa (mouth) that result from radiation treatments.
2. In combination with other drug, Kaolin Clay can be used to treat some ulcers or inflammations of the larger intestine, such as ulcerative colitis. This is because kaolin clay provides a protective coating to the epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract, hence preventing damage cause by radiation drugs or the irritant hydrochloric acid that causes ulcers and inflammation.
3. Kaolin Clay can be used to treat various kinds of diarrhoea. It works mainly by adsorbing the toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract.
4. White Clay can be used to manage spontaneous pneumothorax This is because the small crystals of kaolin act as an abrasion particularly on the pleura endothelial lining. This makes it produce pleurodesis, which successfully prevent recurrence of pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
5. It is used to induce blood clotting in diagnostic procedures, e.g. Kaolin clotting time
Other Uses
1. It is used as a food additive, in toothpaste and cosmetic formulations due to its beneficial effects as mention above.
2. In ceramics, it is the main component of porcelain; as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs; in paint to extend the titanium dioxide (TiO2) white pigment and modify gloss levels.
3. For modifying the properties of rubber upon vulcanisation; in adhesives to modify rheology.
4. As adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment;
5. In its altered metakaolin form, as a base component for geo-polymer compounds.
Cautions
Keep out of reach of children. Do not take on an empty stomach. Consult your healthcare adviser if pregnant or breastfeeding before use.
Side Effects of Kaolin Clay
1. Kaolin clay has few side effects and limited severe toxicities. This is mainly because it is not absorbed systematically. However, Kaolin Clay may cause lung (pulmonary) problems, such as pneumoconiosis in cases of prolonged exposure such as occupational contact
2. For those who eat China Clay caution should be taken because prolonged usage may lead to Low blood-hemoglobin level, a sign of anemia. Ingesting the white clay inhibits absorption of iron from foods. It inhibits absorption of nutrients.
Storage: Keep in a cool dry place, with no direct sunlight. Store in a dry container in a dry cupboard.
