5 Top Uses, Benefits of Kaolin | China Clay For Skin, Health & Hair

What Is Kaolin Clay?

Kaolin Clay Benefits & Uses

• Due to it’s mild nature it is perfect for using it on all types of skin and since it dries up firmly on the skin, it also increases blood circulation. When applied externally, it purifies the skin, removes black and white heads and softens the skin.
• Like most of the natural clay masks, a mask made with kaolin clay reduces oiliness in the skin gently, making it an ideal ingredient in face masks for oily skin.
• Even dry skin will benefits from kaolin clay masks, as it softens dry skin very effectively. Another good thing about kaolin clay is that it can be safely used for external application by pregnant women and people with very sensitive skin.
• It is also widely used in cosmetics, bath powders and in making tooth powders, etc. Though kaolin clay has been mainly used for treating skin problems, it also has been used for treating various health related problems like diarrhea, boils and inflammation. Kaolin poultices are famous for treating boils and inflammation and has been used all over the world.

Where To Buy Kaolin Clay?

We don’t get kaolin commonly in India, it is best to order it online, 100 grams costs around 185 rupees. Kaolin comes in different colors of red, yellow, pink and white depending on the element it is found along with, you can use any one of these interchangeably.

The main use of kaolin in India is in pottery and in cement industry, but in cement industry crude kaolin is used and for pottery processed kaolin is used. For using it externally on the skin and for using it to treat conditions like eczema, you need pure kaolin clay that is free from any impurities. The best way to get good quality kaolin is by making sure it is cosmetic grade.

Kaolin Clay Side Effects:

5 Benefits & Uses of Kaolin Clay For Health:

1. Kaolin For Diarrhea:

Kaolin is used for treating diarrhea as it is said to absorb the bacteria in the gut that causes the infection. Kaolin based medications are sold in the medical shops in many countries as an over the counter medicine. It can be used for both adults and children but as far as I know, it is not available in India.

Kaolin is excellent for using it externally and has practically no side effects at all, however when you are using it internally, certain precautions have to be taken. Kaolin might interfere with other medications, pregnant women and those who are trying to get pregnant should avoid it, so it is best to take it under medical supervision.

Kaolin is also used for treating diarrhea in dogs and is usually very effective. Kaolin based medicine is given at 4 hour intervals for dogs to stop diarrhea and the medication for pets can be got from medical shops.

2. Kaolin Poultice:

Kaolin poultice is an age old remedy that is still practiced in many parts of the world to heal minor scratches, itching, small insect bites and mild burns. Kaolin poultices are very soothing and immediately soothes irritated skin very quickly. To make the poultice, take a mix 2 tbsp of kaolin with boiled water to get a paste and apply a very thick coating over the affected area.

Take a thick cotton cloth, wet it in hot water, squeeze out the water completely and apply over the poultice to prevent it from drying faster. Since kaolin poultices are very very gentle, this treatment can be very safely used on children’s skin. Kaolin poultice is also widely used for treating inflammation in dogs and horses. I think now you get ready mixed kaolin poultice in the markets, that can be used instantly…

Benefits & Uses of Kaolin Clay For Skin:

3. Kaolin Face Pack : For Sensitive, Acne Prone Skin

One of the best, best uses of kaolin is its ability to remove the impurities from the skin gently without stripping the skin of it’s natural oils. This homemade kaolin face mask recipe has many benefits, as both kaolin and apples are rich in vitamins. This mask is especially useful for people who have very sensitive skin.

I have a normal skin and every face pack agrees with me, so I have not thought about face packs for people with sensitive skin. But one of my friends, who has a very sensitive skin always complains that she cannot use any face packs on her skin. When I was searching for recipes for sensitive skin, I found that kaolin based face masks does wonders for sensitive skin, so I tried it with fresh apple puree and dried herbs.

Kaolin and apple puree are wonderful in bringing back lost shine to dull skin and tulsi leaves in the face pack treats acne & dry skin effectively. I have used fresh apple puree in the mask, but try using organic apples to make the puree. To make the mask, peel the skin of an apple and grind to a smooth puree with little bit of apple cider vinegar. Now add the kaolin powder, dried herbs to the pureed apple and mix to form a smooth thick paste.

I used dried tulsi leaves in the mask, but you can use any dried herb that suits your skin and that you like. To use, wash and dry your face and then apply the face pack. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off with a mild soap or a homemade bath powder. I like dried tulsi leaves in the pack as it is treats and prevents skin infections and it is also good for sensitive skin. You can also try herbs like dried neem, rosemary, but make sure to crush them finely before adding them to the mask.

4. Kaolin Bath: 

During winter time, if you are suffering from dry skin and if you are in need of a quick, easy and cheap treatment that can made in a jiffy, then look no further and try a kaolin bath. I know, it does not sound very appealing, but kaolin like all the other natural clays is rich in minerals and is very healing.

Adding kaolin to the bath is one the most effective ways to soften out the dry skin very effectively. To use kaolin for bath, grate the zest of a lemon and an orange that are not waxed. Mix with 1/4 cup of kaolin clay along with few drops of either lemon or orange essential oil. Add the prepared mixture to lukewarm bath water and soak in this aromatic bath for 10 minutes.

This bath will also be useful for people who are suffering  from skin conditions like eczema, as this bath is very very soothing. You can also premix the bath mixture, if you want to use it often. In that case dry the lemon and orange zest in shade till there is no moisture left and then add it to the kaolin clay along with the essential oils and store it in a airtight box. But make small batches, else it might clump together.

Benefits & Uses of Kaolin Clay For Hair:

5. Kaolin Hair Mask:

Kaolin hair mask like it’s use on the skin is very effective because like other clay based hair masks it does not strip the scalp of it’s natural oils. Kaolin has been used by women for centuries for their beauty and hair treatments. Kaolin hair packs improve circulation in the scalp, removes the grime and dirt and strengthens the roots gently. I was searching for a good hair pack recipe to make good use of the kaolin that I got few months back.

Many of the recipes I read, suggested using it with water. I wanted a very hydrating mask as the summer has started here, so I decided to use it along with fresh Aloe Vera gel and lemon juice. This mask is super conditioning and leaves your hair soft and very manageable. It also strengthens the hair roots and is very cooling. Aloe Vera and lemon are both good dandruff fighters and will greatly reduce reduce dandruff from your scalp.

This pack is great for all types of hair. Try to get good quality kaolin, you can get kaolin in herb shops online and it is not very expensive. Many shops sell it under the name of white cosmetic clay, so if you are not able to get kaolin, search instead for white cosmetic clay. But at no point use crude clay that has not been cleaned, it will cause more bad than good. If you are not able to get fresh Aloe Vera, you can use store bought pure Aloe Vera  gel too.

To make this hair pack, first take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf, wash and cut the thorns on both sides. Add the kaolin, lemon juice to the Aloe Vera gel and blend it to get a smooth puree. The mixture should neither be too thick nor too thin. Apply it all over the scalp and wait for it dry on your scalp, before washing it off with a mild shampoo. For best results, make sure that your scalp is not greasy before applying this pack.