Chemical Analysis Of Kaolin Clay And Its Uses In Cosmetic Industry

by Asit Roy Managing Director History shows that kaolin clay has been one of the oldest ingredients in cosmetics. Till date it is broadly used for it renders excellent results in the products.

Interestingly enough, the word ‘kaolin’ has been derived from the place of its origin that is the Kaoling Hill in Kiangsi, China. Across the world, it is referred to as China clay, ceramic clay or white cosmetic clay.

What is Kaolin clay?

Kaolin clay is a white, soft powdery substance that consists of the mineral kaolinite (a silicate of aluminium). Other components present in it are silica, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc and several other minerals.

Chemical composition and analysis of kaolin clay:

• It is a substance with a greyish white colour that has a flat odour.
• Some come with a mesh size of US #100.
• The moisture content of kaolin clay must ideally be 1-2%
• It has a pH balance of 6.0.
• Reportedly most kaolin clays have a bulk density (lb/cu.ft) of 25.3.

The typical mineral content of kaolin clay is as follows:

• It must contain a total of 97% kaolinite.
• Secondly, silicon oxide must be a 46%.
• Thirdly, the aluminium oxide content must be 37%.
• Fourthly, iron oxide should be a 0.79%.
• Lastly, the titanium oxide reading must be 0.37%.

It is commonly used in a wide range of products of daily use; especially the cosmetic industry witnesses a wide ranging use of kaolin clay. Here is a detailed description about the 5 best uses of Kaolin clay in the cosmetic industry.

Uses of Kaolin clay in the cosmetic industry.

• Some lines of kaolin/white cosmetic clay are extensively offered by huge cosmetic manufacturers. These are quarry mined from some of the most naturally occurring deposits in China and are utilised in an untreated fashion.
• The cosmetic clays are prescribed for external use because some of them have a high mineral content. That is why it is present in almost every powdered, dry and wet cosmetic products.
• Kaolin clay has natural adsorbent properties that makes it vital in hygiene products; several chemical companies in India manufacture and export kaolin inclusive products such as soaps, scrubs, deodorants, facial powders and face masks.
• Research suggests that kaolin is a mild clays and that is what makes it suitable for usage by people with sensitive skin. Besides, this clay has properties that stimulate circulation to the skin as well as gently exfoliate and cleanse it. Besides, kaolin does not draw oil from skin; that is why it is directly used on dry skin.
• Apart from skin cosmetics, kaolin clay is also used extensively in toothpastes across the globe.

 
Other uses of kaolin clay include the manufacturing of paper, paint, fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic products, etc. A wide range of popular products such as Kaopectate, Rolaids, Di-gel, Mylanta, and Maalox make use of kaolin clay.

About Author:
Asit Roy works with KPL International Limited - is one of the best chemical company in India, specializes in the marketing of quality products in India. He likes to write about chemicals, polymers, paper and paper chemicals related topics.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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