Summary: 🌼 Quick Look: Balance & Cleanse.
💟 Benefits: A staple skincare ingredient for oily skin. Kaolin Clay gently exfoliates, stimulates circulation, and cleanses skin. It effectively removes excess oil without over-drying.
✅ Removes excessive oil and prevents shiny skin.
✅ Restores skin that's been damaged by frequent outbreaks of acne.
✅ Helps to balance skin's oil production, reducing oily skin symptoms.
💜 Clinical studies have shown that red kaolin clay can lead to a 37% increase in skin firmness and improve skin elasticity by up to 173%.
🌿 Treatments: Ideal for oily skin, sensitive skin, and acne-prone skin.
🌻 Best used as: Cleanser, exfoliant.
💐 Best combined with: Aloe Vera for added soothing and hydration.
⚠️ Caution: Not Applicable
💲 Approximate cost: $5.00 - $15.00 CAD (for a container of Kaolin Clay, recipe cost will vary based on added ingredients)
Yields: Varies depending on usage and batch size Prep time: 2-5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Kaolin Clay (white, pink, or red, depending on your preference and skin needs)
1-2 teaspoons Liquid of Choice (see options below)
(Optional) 1/2 teaspoon Aloe Vera gel or juice (for soothing and hydration)
(Optional) A few drops of skin-friendly Hydrosol (e.g., lavender, chamomile) for added benefits and scent.
(Optional) A pinch of finely ground herbs for gentle exfoliation (e.g., chamomile, calendula).
Liquid Options:
Water: Simple and effective.
Hydrosol: Adds gentle floral scent and potential skin benefits.
Brewed and Cooled Green Tea: Offers antioxidants.
Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted 1:4 with water): For oily/acne-prone skin (use cautiously and avoid eye area).
Yogurt or Kefir: Adds gentle lactic acid for mild exfoliation and probiotics.
Equipment:
Small non-metallic mixing bowl (clay can react with metal)
Non-metallic spoon or spatula
Small dish or your clean palm for mixing (for single use)
Instructions:
Method 1: Basic Kaolin Clay Cleanser (Single Use)
Combine Clay and Liquid: In your non-metallic bowl or in the palm of your clean hand, place 1 teaspoon of Kaolin Clay.
Add Liquid Gradually: Slowly add your chosen liquid, a little at a time, while mixing with your non-metallic spoon or finger.
Create a Paste: Stir until you form a smooth, spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to a thick cream or yogurt. Add more liquid if it's too thick, or a tiny bit more clay if it's too runny.
Apply to Skin: Gently apply the clay paste to your damp face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Gentle Massage (Optional): You can gently massage the cleanser in small circular motions for about 30 seconds for mild exfoliation.
Leave On: Allow the cleanser to sit on your skin for 1-2 minutes. Do not let it dry completely and crack, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, using gentle circular motions to help remove the clay.
Pat Dry: Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Follow with Moisturizer: Even though Kaolin Clay is gentle, it's always a good idea to follow with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
Method 2: Enhanced Kaolin Clay Cleanser (Single Use)
Combine Dry Ingredients: In your non-metallic bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of Kaolin Clay with a pinch of finely ground herbs (if using).
Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1/2 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel or juice and a few drops of your chosen hydrosol (if using).
Incorporate Liquid: Gradually add your chosen liquid (water, tea, diluted ACV, or yogurt) until you form a smooth, spreadable paste.
Apply and Rinse: Follow steps 4-9 from Method 1.
Method 3: Make-Ahead Kaolin Clay Cleanser (Small Batch - Use Caution with Water-Based Ingredients)
Note: Due to the lack of preservatives, making a large batch of a water-based clay cleanser is not recommended as it can be prone to bacterial growth. If you choose this method, make a very small batch and use it within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a clean, non-metallic bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of Kaolin Clay with 1 teaspoon of finely ground herbs (if using).
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel or juice and a few teaspoons of your chosen hydrosol (if using).
Incorporate Liquid: Gradually add your chosen liquid until you form a smooth, thick paste.
Transfer and Store: Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator.
To Use: Take a small amount and apply to damp skin as described in Method 1, steps 4-8.
Notes:
Clay Type: White Kaolin is the mildest, Pink is slightly more absorbent, and Red Kaolin is the most absorbent and stimulating. Choose based on your skin's oiliness and sensitivity.
Avoid Metal: Always use non-metallic bowls and utensils when working with clay.
Listen to Your Skin: If your skin feels tight or dry after using the clay cleanser, reduce the amount of time you leave it on or try using a milder liquid like water or aloe vera.
Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin or are trying a new type of clay or additive, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire face.
Freshness: For make-ahead batches, be mindful of potential spoilage, especially with ingredients like yogurt. Discard if you notice any changes in smell or appearance.
