What is kaolin used for? Believe it or not, this multifunctional clay can be used as a gentle cleanser, gentle exfoliator, natural acne blemish treatment, and tooth whitening agent – in addition to helping treat diarrhea, ulcers, and certain toxins.

It is rich in minerals and detoxifying ingredients, but milder and less dry than many other clays.

Let’s take a look at what kaolin/kaolin is, where it was discovered, and how it is used in areas such as skin, hair, and teeth.

Kaolin is a type of clay mainly composed of kaolin, which is a mineral found all over the earth. It is sometimes also known as white clay or Chinese clay.

Where does kaolin come from? What makes kaolin beneficial?

Kaolin is named after a small mountain in China called Gaoling, where this clay has been mined for hundreds of years. Today, kaolin is extracted from many different regions around the world, including parts of China, the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Bulgaria, and others.
It forms the most in soil formed by rock weathering in hot and humid climates, such as soil in tropical rainforests.

This type of clay is soft, usually white or pink, composed of tiny mineral crystals, including silica, quartz, and feldspar. It also naturally contains minerals such as copper, selenium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.

However, it is usually not ingested due to its nutritional content – it is used to treat gastrointestinal problems or more frequently applied topically to the skin.
In addition, kaolin and kaolin pectin are also used in pottery and ceramics, as well as in the manufacturing of toothpaste, cosmetics, light bulbs, porcelain tableware, porcelain, certain types of paper, rubber, paint, and many other industrial products.

There are several different types and colors of kaolin to choose from, including:
Although this type of clay is usually white, due to iron oxidation and rust, kaolinite may also appear pink orange red. Red kaolin indicates a high content of iron oxide near its discovery. This type is most suitable for people who want to prevent signs of aging.

Green kaolin comes from clay containing plant substances. It also contains high levels of iron oxide. This type is usually the driest and most suitable for people with acne or oily skin.What are the effects of kaolin on the skin? What are the benefits of it for intestinal health?

Here are some potential benefits of using this clay:

1. Mild and non irritating when suitable for sensitive skin

Kaolin is suitable for almost all skin types and is considered one of the mildest clays. You will find it in products such as facial mask and scrubs, which help clean and remove cutin, leaving a smoother, more even skin tone and texture.

Due to its mild nature, it is a gentle cleanser and detoxification treatment suitable for sensitive skin.

The pH value of kaolin is also very attractive, close to the pH value of human skin. This means that it is usually non irritating and is a great product for people with sensitive, delicate or dry skin.
You can also apply kaolin to your hair and scalp to help clean and reduce irritation without drying your hair. Similarly, it can be used in the oral cavity to help clean gums and whiten teeth.

2. Can help manage acne and signs of inflammation

According to a 2010 report, natural clay has been used to treat skin infections since the earliest recorded history. Clay has natural antibacterial properties and can kill various human pathogens that cause rashes and acne.

Why is kaolin beneficial for acne? Because it can absorb excess oil and dirt from the skin, it helps to clean pores, prevent blackheads and acne.

Some people have also found that it has a soothing effect, which can help reduce redness and signs of inflammation.
You can even use it to remove skin that is prone to acne without exacerbating irritation. Using it about twice a week to exfoliate should leave softer, smoother, brighter, and less greasy skin.

3. May help reduce signs of aging

For those who want to prevent signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, kaolin may help regulate and tighten the skin.

There is some evidence to suggest that it can help improve skin elasticity and firmness, as it can remove dead skin cells and flaky, dry skin. The iron found in kaolin, especially in the red type, is believed to help soften the skin and resist damage.

It can also improve the overall tone and evenness of the skin by reducing black spots, redness, and signs of irritation caused by insect bites, rashes, and poisonous vines.

4. May help treat gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and gastric ulcers

Kaolin pectin is a liquid preparation made from kaolin and pectin fibers, which can be used to treat diarrhea, internal ulcers, or gastric ulcers in the digestive tract. It is believed to work by attracting and retaining bacteria that may cause diarrhea.

The most common industrial produced kaolin preparations used for treating diarrhea include attapulgite and bismuth basic salicylate (an active ingredient in Pepto Bismol). Other brands sold in the United States include Kaodene NN, Kaolinpec, and Kapectolin.

Another traditional use of this clay is to soothe stomach discomfort. In some parts of the world, people have historically used kaolinite internally to suppress appetite and support detoxification.