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.