Kaolin: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: China Clay · White Clay
The gentlest cosmetic clay. Mild oil absorption suitable for sensitive and combination skin.
Quick facts about Kaolin
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Safe
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Thickeners
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
China Clay, White Clay
Quick verdict
Kaolin is a thickener with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and safe irritancy (0/5). The gentlest cosmetic clay. Mild oil absorption suitable for sensitive and combination skin.
What is Kaolin?
Kaolin (also called china clay or white clay) is the gentlest of the cosmetic clays — a hydrated aluminium silicate with mild oil-absorbing properties. Unlike bentonite, kaolin doesn't swell aggressively on contact with water, which makes it suitable for sensitive and combination skin types that find bentonite over-drying.
Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin
Kaolin is rated 0/5 comedogenic. It is a wash-off mineral that helps clear excess sebum without damaging the barrier.
Benefits for skin
- Light sebum absorption without dryness
- Suitable for sensitive skin masks
- Improves texture in powder formulations
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Kaolin is exceptionally well-tolerated. Allergy and irritation are essentially unreported.
Best for
- All skin types
- Combination
- Sensitive
- Normal
Avoid if
No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.
How to use Kaolin safely
Use as a 5–10 minute mask 1–2 times per week. Don't allow the mask to dry completely — wash off while still slightly damp.
Commonly found in
Kaolin appears in clay masks, gentle exfoliating cleansers, mineral sunscreens, baby powders and many sensitive-skin formulations.
Found Kaolin in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Other thickeners to know
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.