Kaolin

The Basics On Kaolin

What is Kaolin?

Naturally occurring clay mineral (silicate of aluminum) that is used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties.

What are other names for Kaolin?

BOLUS ALBA, CHINA CLAY, KAOLIN, and KAOLITE`

What is Kaolin used for?

Kaolin is a good way of reducing excess oiliness, deep cleaning and removing impurities, making it ideal for those who suffer from acne-prone skin. … Because it is gentle it is also a good choice for sensitive skin, though – as with all clays – overuse could lead to excess dryness.

How Kaolin is classified

Absorbent

Recommendations for using Kaolin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Kaolin During Pregnancy

What we know about using Kaolin while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Calcium Silicate FDRL Inc. (1973) conducted a study in which adult, Dutchbelted female rabbits were artificially inseminated and received oral intubations of Calcium Silicate at doses of 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, and 1600 mg/kg on days 6 through 18 after insemination. On day 29, cesarean section was performed and the numbers of corpora lutea, implantation sites, resorption sites, and live and dead fetuses were recorded. Body weights of live pups were recorded. The urogenital tracts of the animals were examined in detail. All fetuses underwent detailed gross examination. Calcium Silicate administered at 1600 mg/kg to pregnant rabbits for 13 consecutive days had no clear discernible effect on nidation or on maternal or fetal survival. Skeletal or soft tissue abnormalities did not differ from the number occurring in control groups. Kaolin Groups of 12 Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed three diets: control diet, 20% Kaolin diet, or iron-supplemented 20% Kaolin diet. The diets were fed for 37 to 86 days, 69 to 85 days, and 96 to 117 days prior to fertilization. These same diets were fed for the duration of the gestation period. The animals fed SILICATES 87 the 20% Kaolin diet had significant reductions in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC numbers, indicating maternal anemia. Significant reduction in the birth weight of the pups was observed. Animals fed the iron-supplemented diet maintained their hematocrit, hemoglobin, and RBC levels (Patterson and Staszak 1977). Magnesium Aluminum Silicate According to Sakai and Moriguchi (1975), “MAS has neither teratogenic nor had adverse effects on the mouse fetus.” MAS was administered at doses of 600, 3000, and 6000 mg/kg/day orally to pregnant mice (ICR-JCL) for 6 days on the 7th to 12th day of gestation. No significant differences between MASadministered and control groups were observed in body weight gain, gross lesions, implantations, resorbed or dead fetuses, or growth inhibition of live fetuses. Incidences of skeletal anomalies were significantly greater in MAS-exposed fetuses, but none resulted in skeletal malformation. Development, external differentiation, body weight gain, and behavior were normal in all offspring. Zeolite (Type A) Type A Zeolite containing 15.8% sodium 19.0% silicon, and 20.1% aluminum was tested for its teratogenic potential by Nolen and Dickerman (1983). Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand rabbits were utilized under the standard FDA Segment II protocol. Zeolite A in distilled water was given to rats by gavage at concentrations of 74 or 1600 mg/kg of body weight on days 6 to 15. Rabbits were given doses of 74, 345, and 1600 mg/kg of Zeolite A by oral gavage on days 6 to 18. Vehicle controls were included but no details were provided. Type A Zeolite produced no adverse effects on the dam, embryo, or fetus in either the rats or rabbits at any dose. Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) Pond and Yen (1983a) investigated whether Clinoptilolite offers protection against the toxic effect of long-term cadmium ingestion by examining the effects of long-term ingestion of Clinoptilolite on reproduction and on the postnatal development of the progeny. Four groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the following diets: control; control and Clinoptilolite; control plus cadmium; and control plus cadmium and Clinoptilolite. At 13 weeks, male rats were placed with the females for mating. The female reproductive performance was unaffected by any of the various diets. The supplemental level of Clinoptilolite resulted in reduced body weight during gestation; body weight at parturition and postpartum was similar for rats of all diet groups.

General safety info about Kaolin from CIR

Various silicates and silicate clays are used in cosmetics, largely for their adsorbent, anticaking, bulking, and other similar properties. They are created synthetically in some cases, e.g., Lithium Magnesium Silicate, or are refined from naturally occurring minerals, e.g., Magnesium Aluminum Silicate. In either case, variations in composition occur. Thus the Zeolite group of hydrated aluminosilicates has forms that are crystalline or fibrous, and contain interchangeable cations. This report reviews the safety of these ingredients. Because the issues of safety are likely to be similar, many ingredients have been grouped. Although there are not data on each and every ingredient, it is expected that the data will be broadly applicable among the following ingredients: Aluminum Silicate (CAS no. 1327-36-2); Calcium Silicate (CAS no. 1344-95-2); Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (CAS no. 12199-37-0, 1327- 43-1, 12511-31-8); Magnesium Silicate (CAS no. 1343-88-0); Magnesium Trisilicate (CAS no. 14987-04-3); Sodium Magnesium Silicate; Zirconium Silicate (CAS no. 14940-68-2); and the silicate clays/clay minerals: Attapulgite (CAS no. 1337-76- 4, 12174-11-7); Bentonite (CAS no. 1302-78-9); Fuller’s Earth (CAS No. 8031-18-3); Hectorite (CAS no. 12173-47-6); Kaolin (CAS no. 1332-58-7); Lithium Magnesium Silicate; Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate (CAS no. 53320-86-8); Montmorillonite (CAS no. 1318-93-0); Pyrophyllite (CAS no. 12269- 78-2); and Zeolite (CAS no. 1318-02-1) used in cosmetics

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Kaolin

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack; First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Acne Clearing Pads With White Clay (60 count); The INKEY List Kaolin Mask; GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask; IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Skin-Mattifying, Priming & Hydrating Trio