Kaolin and other silicate clays are safe at the levels currently used in cosmetics. The main safety concern is inhalation (not typical for cosmetic products you apply to skin), and risk increases with smaller particle sizes and fibrous forms—but standard cosmetic-grade kaolin doesn't pose significant toxicity risks through skin contact or ingestion.

Researchers reviewed toxicity data from animal studies and cancer classifications for 17 different silicate-based clay ingredients, looking at how they behave in the body through different exposure routes (skin, ingestion, inhalation).

Funding not disclosed in abstract