What is kaolin clay used for? Can you make a mask for blackheads and skin blemishes from acne using this clay? Yes you can! Here’s a white kaolin clay mask recipe for cleansing your face and for various other uses and benefits.
Kaolin mud comes in different forms. These include powder, in soap form and even as a commercial product such as Michael Todd’s face mask. If you have been using clays to do your cleansing, you will have already learnt that the clay is good for detoxification of the skin. Below, you will learn how to make a face mask using kaolin clay, its benefits and what would be the best facial clay mask.
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Kaolin Clay Mask Benefits and Uses
This naturally occurring clay has many uses and passes as one of the best natural ways to care for your skin. Due to its chemical and physical properties, this China clay has various health benefits when used externally on your skin. But is it good? Does it have any side effects? We will look at that later, but now, here are the benefits of kaolin clay face mask.

#1 Cleansing the Skin
For years, china clay has been used for soothing, caring and nourishing different skin types. Today, it is being applied as an ingredient in facial powders, scrubs, masks and other skin care products.
You can use it alone at for your homemade skin care, although when in commercial products, it is combined with other ingredients.
If you have an oily skin, kaolin clay will help reduce the shine, or reduce the oily and greasy feel on your skin. It will help reduce the amount of sebum your skin produces.
Are you looking for a dusting powder for your skin? Kaolin powder is great for wet oily skin. It is applied and left for a few minutes and then washed off to leave the skin dry and oil-free.
#2 Kaolin for Face Detox
Silica is found in high concentrations in this clay. What does that mean? It means that china clay is good for detoxifying your skin or acting like a cleansing agent. It works by exfoliating the dead skin cells to allow new ones to grow. A face mask will leave your skin moisturized, purified and nourished since it contains phytonutrients as well.
#3 Healing the Skin and Gastrointestinal Tract
Other than being used as a detox, kaolin face mask will help heal swellings, cuts, oral mucosa, bruises and skin sores. It has also been found to help heal damage caused by radiation treatments, inflammations such as those caused by razor burn on legs and face, etc. So, now that you know the uses of kaolin clay mask, here is a good recipe for your DIY face clay mask.
White Kaolin Clay Mask Recipe for Oily, Acne Prone and Sensitive Skins
White kaolin clay mask is one of the most commonly used in skin care preparations. It is a powerfully absorbent clay, which makes it perfect for most skin types and tones. Here is a facial mask recipe to make at home with a lot of ease.
Ingredients of White Kaolin Mud Mask
The procedures and ingredients are likely to vary depending on the use. For instance, clay mask recipes for sensitive skin will be different from that of oily acne prone skin. However, collect the following ingredients for making a basic DIY china clay mask for use on blackheads, facial detox and other natural skin care procedures:

- About 3 tablespoons of kaolin clay
- Approx. 3 tablespoons of water
How to Make Kaolin Clay Facial Mask
- Mix your two ingredients above – water and white china clay. Stir well to get a consistent thickness
- Apply evenly and smoothly to your skin
- Allow about 15 minutes of stay on your skin. It might dry, so don’t worry about it.
- Wash it off your face using lukewarm water. You may need the help of a gentle wash cloth
- Apply a good face moisturizer
NOTE: If you have a sensitive skin, allow the mask to sit on your face for only 5 minutes and then wash it off. This is to prevent your skin from getting irritated.
Kaolin Clay Mask During Pregnancy
For most women, skin problems such as acne breakouts become a nightmare during pregnancy. Dealing with this becomes even harder because you have to take a lot of precautions not to harm the baby. So, is it safe to use kaolin clay during pregnancy?

Discussions in the forum boards called TheBump note that it is safe to make a body mask using china clay during pregnancy for treating acne blemishes and pimples. You can apply it to help make dull skin glow when pregnant.
Michael Todd Kaolin Clay Mask Reviews
Michael Todd is one of the common brands of this clay you will find people reviewing on the internet. But what is the best kaolin clay mask? Well, that would depend on many needs, such as whether you want to use it for cleansing a sensitive skin, or for face fairness, etc.
Pure French White Kaolin Clay for Use in Skincare and Natural White Kaolin Clay Powder for Hair and face are highly rated brands with so many reviews on retail markets online such as Amazon. Most of these clays are reviewed for normal, sensitive, acne prone and dry skin. So, here are a few reviews of Michael Todd mud and powder.
“This is the best face mask I have ever used. I have super oily skin and using this mask 1-2x a week has helped my skin amazingly. It does tingle somewhat when you apply but after it sits and you rinse it off, you can actually feel your pores breathe.” Danielle on MichaelToddTrueOrganics.
“…a great clay mask that delivers tightening and refining of the pores… is a pleasure to use with its pleasant and natural scent; smooth and light texture; and the cleansing and toning effect it has on the skin. With just a 10-minute application my skin feels soft and nourished.” Amazon.com Reviews.
READ MORE: Using Multani Mitti for Pimples on face
References and Sources on Kaolin Clay Mask
- Live Simply: Simple Recipes for Kaolin Clay Masks