Ingredient glossary
Kaolin
On your shelf ✓What Kaolin does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Kaolin · Also: White Clay
In short: Kaolin delivers oil absorption and mattifying, suits combination and oily skin best, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Oil absorption, mattifying
- Best for
- Combination, Oily skin
- Evidence
- Moderate
- How long
- Straight away
What it actually is
The Glow take
Nice to have, and nothing to overthink.
Kaolin plays a quiet supporting role, rounding out a formula rather than being the reason you buy it.
— Maya
What it does
- oil absorption
- mattifying
- mild exfoliation
moderate evidenceCosmetic science sources show kaolin primarily functions as absorbent and texturizer with evidence for sebum reduction but little high level clinical acne outcome data.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- oily
- combo
- acne prone
Approach with care
- very dry
- compromised barrier
- rosacea
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DryTake care
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveNeutral
Often chosen for acne prone. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: compromised barrier, rosacea.
Where it fits in your routine
This one works on contact — there is nothing to wait for.
What that covers, and what it does not
Measured on: Surface sebum adsorbed and shine reduced by the time the rinse-off application is removed.
Kaolin is an insoluble aluminosilicate that adsorbs surface oil onto dispersed particles and is then rinsed away with it, so the degreasing is complete when the mask comes off. Nothing is remodelled and sebum returns as the skin produces more, typically within hours. No controlled trial times any durable acne or pore outcome for kaolin, so only the on-contact effect is claimable at all.
Mechanism; cosmetic-science absorbency data, no clinical outcome trial with visits identified.
Plays well with
Kaolin, answered
Is Kaolin safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Kaolin is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Kaolin?
Approach Kaolin with care if any of these apply to you: very dry, compromised barrier, and rosacea.
What concentration of Kaolin actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
Can you mix Kaolin with
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