Clay
AKA “Aluminum silicate, natural, natural [JAN], natural (JAN), Adsorbin, Adsorbin (TN)
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Clay
AKA: Aluminum silicate, Natural, Natural [JAN], Natural (JAN), Adsorbin, Adsorbin (TN)
Synthetic · Binding · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Clay
Synthetic
Clean
Clay is a group of phyllosilicate minerals produced by the chemical and physical weathering of rock. It consists chiefly of varying amounts of hydrated silica and alumina, and is characterized by a particle size of less than 2 micrometers Science: Functions: Absorbent, Binding, Bulking, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Formula
Al2O5Si
Mol. Weight
162.05
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
State
Solid
See origin →
Functions
Absorbent
Binding
Bulking
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Clays have been used for skincare across virtually all traditional cultures for thousands of years—Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Ayurvedic, and Indigenous traditions all employed clays for oil absorption, skin purification, and healing of wounds and irritation. Different colored clays (kaolin, bentonite, rhassoul) were traditionally mined and used for facial treatments, body wraps, and therapeutic applications.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Oiliness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Fruit-based Natural Antioxidants in Meat and Meat Products: A Review.
Ahmad SR, Gokulakrishnan P, Giriprasad R, Yatoo MA
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2015
Fruit-based Natural Antioxidants in Meat and Meat Products: A Review.
Ahmad SR, Gokulakrishnan P, Giriprasad R, Yatoo MA
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2015
Fruit-based Natural Antioxidants in Meat and Meat Products: A Review.
Ahmad SR, Gokulakrishnan P, Giriprasad R, Yatoo MA
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2015
Glucosamine.
T S Barclay, C Tsourounis, G M McCart
The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 1998
Fibrous Clays in Dermopharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications: Traditional and Emerging Perspectives.
Cao L, Xie W, Cui H, Xiong Z, Tang Y et al.
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2022
Fibrous Clays in Dermopharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications: Traditional and Emerging Perspectives.
Cao L, Xie W, Cui H, Xiong Z, Tang Y et al.
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2022
Fibrous Clays in Dermopharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications: Traditional and Emerging Perspectives.
Cao L, Xie W, Cui H, Xiong Z, Tang Y et al.
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2022
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Aluminum Silicate, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Trisilicate, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Zirconium Silicate, Att
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Silica, Alumina Magnesium Metasilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Aluminum Iron Silicates, Hydrated Silica and Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Amended Safety Assessment Naturally-Sourced Clays as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Alkonium Clays as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ammonium Silver Zinc Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Clay
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Silver Aluminum Silicate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Bentonite Clay: A Potential Natural Sanitizer for Prevent...
Partha Das, Bharat Venkata Tadikonda
ACS chemical neuroscience, 2020
Bentonite Clay: A Potential Natural Sanitizer for Prevent...
Partha Das, Bharat Venkata Tadikonda
ACS chemical neuroscience, 2020
Bentonite Clay: A Potential Natural Sanitizer for Prevent...
Partha Das, Bharat Venkata Tadikonda
ACS chemical neuroscience, 2020
Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy.
Del Olmo A, Calzada J, Nuñez M
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2017
Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy.
Del Olmo A, Calzada J, Nuñez M
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2017
Benzoic acid and its derivatives as naturally occurring compounds in foods and as additives: Uses, exposure, and controversy.
Del Olmo A, Calzada J, Nuñez M
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2017
"Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials".
Donoso A, González-Durán J, Muñoz AA, González PA, Agurto-Muñoz C
Pharmacological research, 2021
"Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials".
Donoso A, González-Durán J, Muñoz AA, González PA, Agurto-Muñoz C
Pharmacological research, 2021
"Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-bas...
Andrea Donoso, Javiera González-Durán, Andrés Agurto Muñoz, Pablo A González, Cristian Agurto-Muñoz
Pharmacological research, 2021
"Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-bas...
Andrea Donoso, Javiera González-Durán, Andrés Agurto Muñoz, Pablo A González, Cristian Agurto-Muñoz
Pharmacological research, 2021
"Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-bas...
Andrea Donoso, Javiera González-Durán, Andrés Agurto Muñoz, Pablo A González, Cristian Agurto-Muñoz
Pharmacological research, 2021
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate,
Elmore AR, Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International journal of toxicology, 2003
Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a S...
Evyatar Evron, Margit Juhasz, Arash Babadjouni, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska
Skin appendage disorders, 2020
Aluminum Silicate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Clay
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
French Green Clay
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Kaolin Clay
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sodium Silver Aluminum Silicate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
White Clay Powder
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Impact of Salix mucronata bark and betaine as natural alleviators on semen quality, serum biochemistry, and oxidative capacity in heat-stressed rabbit
Farag MFM, Daader AH, El-Darawany AA, Bahgat LB, Al-Marakby KM
Tropical animal health and production, 2025
Hyaluronic Acid-like Skin Plumping and Radiance Benefits of a Porphyridium Sulfated Exopolysaccharide- and Natural PDRN-Rich Extract.
Havas F, Krispin S, Cohen M, Attia-Vigneau J
Marine drugs, 2026
Coniferyl alcohol except for naturally occurring in plant extracts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Furocoumarins, except for naturally occurring in plant extracts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Narcotics, natural and synthetic
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Safrole, except when naturally occurring in plant extracts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Aloe vera (L.) Webb.: Natural Sources of Antioxidants - A Review.
Hęś M, Dziedzic K, Górecka D, Jędrusek-Golińska A, Gujska E
Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 2019
A Natural Composite Extract Restores Skin Barrier Function by Modulating Inflammatory, Hydration, and Redox Pathways.
Jin C, Cha YJ, Kim HE, Jin Y, Zhang X et al.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025
Modulation of Mast Cell Activation via MRGPRX2 by Natural Oat Extract.
Kaesler S, Argiriu D, Kandage SM, Schönfeldt K, Lekiashvili S et al.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2025
Modulation of Mast Cell Activation via MRGPRX2 by Natural Oat Extract.
Kaesler S, Argiriu D, Kandage SM, Schönfeldt K, Lekiashvili S et al.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2025
Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol).
Kafi R, Kwak HS, Schumacher WE, Cho S, Hanft VN et al.
Archives of dermatology, 2007
Natural soap is clinically effective and less toxic and more biodegradable in aquatic organisms and human skin cells than synthetic detergents.
Kanyama T, Masunaga A, Kawahara T, Morita H, Akita S
PloS one, 2025
Natural soap is clinically effective and less toxic and more biodegradable in aquatic organisms and human skin cells than synthetic detergents.
Kanyama T, Masunaga A, Kawahara T, Morita H, Akita S
PloS one, 2025
Natural options for the management of hyperpigmentation.
J J Leyden, B Shergill, G Micali, J Downie, W Wallo
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2011
Exploring the potential of white birch sap: A natural alt...
Fan Liu, Ting Xu, Jiaxuan He, Yiting Jiang, Linkai Qu, Lei Wang + 5 more
Heliyon, 2024
Meadowfoam seed oil as a natural dispersing agent for colorants in lipstick.
Maktabi B, Liberatore MW, Baki G
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Meadowfoam seed oil as a natural dispersing agent for colorants in lipstick.
Maktabi B, Liberatore MW, Baki G
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Meadowfoam seed oil as a natural dispersing agent for col...
Briana Maktabi, Matthew W Liberatore, Gabriella Baki
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Meadowfoam seed oil as a natural dispersing agent for col...
Briana Maktabi, Matthew W Liberatore, Gabriella Baki
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Meadowfoam seed oil as a natural dispersing agent for col...
Briana Maktabi, Matthew W Liberatore, Gabriella Baki
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Transdermal absorption of natural progesterone from alcoholic gel formulations with hydrophilic surfactant.
Matsui R, Ueda O, Uchida S, Namiki N
Drug development and industrial pharmacy, 2015
Optimizing interactions between soluble silk fibroin and capryl glucoside for design of a natural and high-performance co-surfactant system.
Maxwell R, Costache MC, Giarrosso A, Bosques C, Amin S
International journal of cosmetic science, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Rose Flowers-A Delicate Perfume or a Natural Healer?
Mileva M, Ilieva Y, Jovtchev G, Gateva S, Zaharieva MM et al.
Biomolecules, 2021
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11 enhances soil clay dispersibility: An indication for inadvertent environmental impacts from personal care and cosmetic in
Nguyen LN, Nguyen AM, Nguyen MT, Dinh VM, Mai NT et al.
The Science of the total environment, 2022
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11 enhances soil clay dispersibility: An indication for inadvertent environmental impacts from personal care and cosmetic in
Nguyen LN, Nguyen AM, Nguyen MT, Dinh VM, Mai NT et al.
The Science of the total environment, 2022
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11 enhances soil clay dispersibility: An indication for inadvertent environmental impacts from personal care and cosmetic in
Nguyen LN, Nguyen AM, Nguyen MT, Dinh VM, Mai NT et al.
The Science of the total environment, 2022
The Effects of Natural and Anthropogenic Microparticles on Individual Fitness in Daphnia magna.
Ogonowski M, Schür C, Jarsén Å, Gorokhova E
PloS one, 2016
Natural and ion-exchanged illite clays reduce bacterial burden and inflammation in cutaneous meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in
Otto CC, Kilbourne J, Haydel SE
Journal of medical microbiology, 2016
Injectable nanoclay gels for angiogenesis.
Page DJ, Clarkin CE, Mani R, Khan NA, Dawson JI et al.
Acta biomaterialia, 2019
Pollensomes as Natural Vehicles for Pollen Allergens.
Prado N, De Linares C, Sanz ML, Gamboa P, Villalba M et al.
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 2015
Carrageenan: a natural seaweed polysaccharide and its applications.
Prajapati VD, Maheriya PM, Jani GK, Solanki HK
Carbohydrate polymers, 2014
Carrageenan: a natural seaweed polysaccharide and its applications.
Prajapati VD, Maheriya PM, Jani GK, Solanki HK
Carbohydrate polymers, 2014
Carrageenan: a natural seaweed polysaccharide and its applications.
Prajapati VD, Maheriya PM, Jani GK, Solanki HK
Carbohydrate polymers, 2014
Studies of prophylaxis pastes containing sodium-potassium aluminum silicate and fluoride.
Putt MS, Kleber CJ, Muhler JC
Journal of dental research, 1979
Cellulose derivatives and natural gums as gelling agents for preparation of emulgel-based dosage forms: A brief review.
Raeisi Estabragh MA, Sajadi Bami M, Dehghannoudeh G, Noudeh YD, Moghimipour E
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the...
Nouf F Bin Rubaian, Haya Fahad Abdulaziz Alzamami, Baraa Abdulrazack Amir
Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 2024
An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the...
Nouf F Bin Rubaian, Haya Fahad Abdulaziz Alzamami, Baraa Abdulrazack Amir
Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 2024
An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the...
Nouf F Bin Rubaian, Haya Fahad Abdulaziz Alzamami, Baraa Abdulrazack Amir
Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 2024
Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care: Revisiting the benefits of tropical herbs.
Sang SH, Akowuah GA, Liew KB, Lee SK, Keng JW et al.
Heliyon, 2023
Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals.
Sharmeen JB, Mahomoodally FM, Zengin G, Maggi F
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals.
Sharmeen JB, Mahomoodally FM, Zengin G, Maggi F
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
Cutaneous delivery and biodistribution of a lipophilic natural product - bakuchiol: Comparing nanocarrier performance.
Syafitri E, Kalia YN
International journal of pharmaceutics, 2025
[Analysis of constituents of ester-type gum bases used as natural food additives].
Tada A, Masuda A, Sugimoto N, Yamagata K, Yamazaki T et al.
Shokuhin eiseigaku zasshi. Journal of the Food Hygienic Society of Japan, 2007
Clays and Wound Healing.
Tian G, Wang Z, Huang Z, Xie Z, Xia L et al.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 2024
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science.
Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds N...
Alexandra R Vaughn, Ashley K Clark, Raja K Sivamani, Vivian Y Shi
American journal of clinical dermatology, 2018
Cosmetic creams with caprylic acid-based Natural Eutectic Solvents: Stability, rheology and user perception.
Verger A, Grard R, Pradel C, Perse X, Bouderbala S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2025
[Mouthwash solutions with microencapsuled natural extracts: Efficiency for dental plaque and gingivitis].
Vervelle A, Mouhyi J, Del Corso M, Hippolyte MP, Sammartino G et al.
Revue de stomatologie et de chirurgie maxillo-faciale, 2010
[Mouthwash solutions with microencapsuled natural extracts: Efficiency for dental plaque and gingivitis].
Vervelle A, Mouhyi J, Del Corso M, Hippolyte MP, Sammartino G et al.
Revue de stomatologie et de chirurgie maxillo-faciale, 2010
Profiling and quantification of phenolic compounds in Camellia seed oils: Natural tea polyphenols in vegetable oil.
Wang X, Zeng Q, Del Mar Contreras M, Wang L
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 2017
Profiling and quantification of phenolic compounds in Camellia seed oils: Natural tea polyphenols in vegetable oil.
Wang X, Zeng Q, Del Mar Contreras M, Wang L
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 2017
Naturally occurring ω-Hydroxyacids.
Wertz PW
International journal of cosmetic science, 2018
Naturally occurring ω-Hydroxyacids.
Wertz PW
International journal of cosmetic science, 2018
Astragalus Polysaccharide Hydrogels with Drug-Carrying Super Self-Assembly from Natural Herbs Promote Wound Healing.
Zhao M, Xiang J, Meng Y, Sun H, Yang W et al.
ACS nano, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR