Kaolin Clay

Kaolin is a naturally occurring aluminum silicate mined from weathered feldspar-rich granite, named for Gaoling (the Chinese mountain range where it was first refined). Compared to bentonite (the other big mask clay), kaolin is much gentler — it absorbs oil and lightly lifts off impurities without the muscular, pulling 'negative charge' action that can leave sensitive skin tight and red. That softer profile is why kaolin shows up in almost every face mask aimed at normal-to-sensitive skin, from Innisfree Volcanic to Origins Clear Improvement to French pharmacy pastes like Avène Cleanance. Its utility goes beyond oil control: kaolin's mild abrasiveness gives a slight polish when you rinse, and its mineral content (especially silica) has historical use in wound-dressing and first-aid products. For skincare specifically, the research evidence is modest (this is an old, physical-action ingredient, not a molecule with clinical trials), but the mechanism is well understood and the side effect profile is benign. Kaolin is also the quiet backbone of many 'detox' claims — which are mostly marketing — but the actual oil-absorbent effect is real and measurable.