{"id":19633,"date":"2025-07-30T06:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T12:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulprospector.com\/knowledge\/?p=19633"},"modified":"2025-07-23T14:21:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T20:21:35","slug":"pc-kaolin-coating-enhancer-and-foundation-for-personal-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ulprospector.ul.com\/19633\/pc-kaolin-coating-enhancer-and-foundation-for-personal-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaolin – Coating Enhancer and Foundation for Personal Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Kaolin is an important pigment in coatings<\/a>, but it also has a large use in personal care<\/a>. In March of 2025, an article on \u201cNext generation natural deodorants\u2026\u201d[1]<\/a> was included in Prospector Knowledge Center. From enhancing texture to improving opacity and durability, kaolin<\/a> is a versatile and cost-effective phyllosilicate clay in paint formulations, but does find use in cosmetics, and in the general sense of hiding or beautifying a substrate like skin, it can be considered a coating. Rather than trying to cover both application areas, I will note that there are numerous producers of many different types of kaolin<\/a> which can be found in Ultrus\u2122 Prospector<\/a>. Imerys, Burgess Pigment Company and Vanderbilt Minerals, LLC among others, are listed. Vanderbilt, by way of the footnotes[2]<\/a>,[3]<\/a> includes many cosmetic lab formulations utilizing kaolin. To keep it straightforward I will focus on coatings and leave the foot notes, but will mention some personal care uses for the more notable applications. Type \u201csearch for kaolin\u201d in the search bar and there are many entries under personal care in Ultrus\u2122.<\/a><\/p>\n

Kaolin\u2019s chemical structure makes it the ideal material to incorporate into paint applications. Its aluminum silicate composition provides stability and resistance against chemical reactions, helping the paint retain its properties over time.<\/p>\n

Kaolin<\/a>, also known as kaolinite or China Clay, is a naturally occurring mineral consisting mostly of hydrated alumino-silicate with the chemical formula Al2<\/sub>Si2<\/sub>O5<\/sub>(OH)4<\/sub>.\u00a0 It was first discovered by the Chinese in high mountain ridges in China some 3000 years ago and was primarily used for coating paper, making pottery and producing fine porcelain.\u00a0 The word itself comes from the village\u00a0“Kaoling” or “Gaoling” meaning “High Ridge” which is now part of Jingdezhen Prefecture in Jiangxi Province and an area\u00a0rich in kaolin deposits.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The physical characteristics of kaolin<\/a> are equally impressive. Its plate-like particle structure creates excellent coverage and flow properties in paint. Visualize tiny, flat plates arranging themselves to create a smooth, even surface \u2013 that describes what kaolin does in paint. One of kaolin\u2019s qualities is its ability to improve paint opacity. The flat particles align parallel to the substrate surface, creating multiple layers that effectively hide what\u2019s underneath. Kaolin is naturally white and helps improve color consistency and opacity in paint, making colors appear more uniform and truer.<\/p>\n

\n

Work smarter and win more, with powerful software to manage regulatory, supply chain and sustainability challenges, learn more about ULTRUS\u00a0here<\/a>!<\/h3>\n
\n

Kaolin is the ultimate paint durability enhancer. It helps increase scratch resistance, decreases cracking and enhances weatherability \u2013 almost like adding armored panels for protection. The natural, unheated form of kaolin brings its own set of benefits to paint formulations<\/a>. It\u2019s particularly good at improving the paint\u2019s workability and application properties.<\/p>\n

Kaolin positions itself among other paint additives (as opposed to just a pigment) as a unique value proposition, being readily available, relatively cost-efficient to process, and contributing numerous benefits all-in-one package \u2013 making it a smart cost-cutting decision for manufacturers as well as consumers alike. It provides opacity, rheology when it is formulated into a modifier, a buffering agent and several other qualities.<\/p>\n

\"\"In personal care<\/a> it absorbs extra oil from the skin, thereby keeping the pores unclogged. It also has cleansing properties that can remove dirt and impurities from your skin pores that lead to acne breakouts. Kaolin<\/a> clay has soothing qualities that can calm your irritated skin caused by insect bite or any skin rash. It has mild healing properties that help to soothe any type of irritation and\u00a0redness on your skin. This clay stimulates your skin cells and makes your\u00a0skin tone\u00a0even. If you use it regularly, you may see a noticeable change in your skin tone. Apart from skincare, you can also use kaolin clay as a natural shampoo to remove oil, dirt and other pollutants from your scalp. It also\u00a0boosts the blood circulation to your scalp, resulting in strong\u00a0hair follicles. The ability of kaolin clay to draw out impurities makes it an excellent substitute in whitening toothpaste. It can remove the toxins and gunk from your teeth and make them whiter.<\/p>\n

Kaolin that has been heated at high temperatures can alter its structure and enhance certain properties.<\/p>\n

Titanium dioxide extenders for coatings \u2013 calcined kaolin or hydrous kaolin?<\/a> (Lawrence Industries)<\/p>\n

\"\"
Typical properties of kaolin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NovaPowder\u00ae<\/a> is an asbestos-free talc substitute based on\u00a0kaolin, Modified Corn Starch and\u00a0coating. It improves skin adherence and enhances pressability of powder applications, in which it gives softness and brightness. NovaPowder\u00ae<\/a> is available in different surface treatments and particle sizes to perfectly replace any types of Talc. It acts equivalently in terms of friction forces, sensorial properties, and viscosity.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Kaolin is a natural mineral, and its production generally has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. However, responsible sourcing remains crucial. The mining of kaolin requires careful environmental management. Modern practices focus on minimizing impact and implementing effective land reclamation strategies.<\/p>\n

Why Is Kaolin Used in Paint?<\/a> (ShreeRam Kaolin)<\/p>\n

Six Reasons to Add Kaolin to Coating Products<\/a> (EPIC Powder Machinery)
\n
\n<\/a>Some formulation considerations for titanium dioxide replacement or extension in gloss and semi-gloss paints.<\/p>\n