Collection: Kaolin Clay

Clays & Minerals

Kaolinite

Kaolin is the mildest and most widely used cosmetic clay in the world, a pure white mineral named after the Gaoling hill in China, where it was first mined for porcelain production. In skincare and soapmaking, it is the universal gentle clay, suitable for every skin type, including sensitive, dry, and mature skin that would find more absorbent clays too drying or stimulating.

White kaolin and standard kaolin are the same ingredient, kaolinite, differing only in refinement level. In our formulas, kaolin contributes slip, a refined lather texture, and mild absorbency without stripping. It is the clay we reach for when we want the sensory and textural benefits of clay without significant oil absorption.

How It Works

Kaolin's relatively low absorbency compared to other clays means it cleanses gently without drawing excess moisture from the skin. It adds a silky, slip-enhancing quality to soap lather that makes the bar feel more luxurious during use. Its fine particle size contributes to a smooth, refined texture in finished formulas, and its natural white color can be used as a gentle base for other colorants or left pure for a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Skin Character

Character: Gently cleansing, slip-enhancing, universally gentle
Best for: All skin types, sensitive and dry skin

You can find Kaolin Clay in nearly all of our handmade soaps and some haircare bars.

For external use only. As with all new products, we recommend a patch test before first use. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.