CORNISH KAOLIN
Natural Cornish clay
Purifying yet gentle, Kaolin Clay, also known as White Clay, is a natural powerhouse for clarifying and calming the skin. Sourced from fine, mineral-rich clay in Cornwall, our Kaolin skincare offers a gentle detox that leaves skin feeling soft, balanced, and visibly clearer.
Ideal for oily, combination, or sensitive skin, Kaolin works by drawing out impurities, reducing excess oil, and soothing redness - all without stripping the skin’s barrier.
Our Cornish Kaolin skincare blends the clay’s refining properties with barrier-supporting hydrating and antioxidant ingredients for a balanced routine that’s kind to your skin. Whether you’re looking to minimise pores, ease irritation, or simply refresh your complexion, Kaolin Clay is a go-to ingredient for naturally clearer, smoother skin.
What is Kaolin?
Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay formed from the mineral kaolinite, also known as White Clay due to it often being white in colour. It has an incredibly fine texture, which makes it one of the gentlest clays used in skincare.
Cornish Kaolin, in particular, is known for its purity and mineral content, making it especially effective for detoxifying while still being suitable for sensitive skin.
Five benefits of Kaolin for the skin
Detoxifies without Stripping Skin
Draws out toxins and impurities to refresh congested skin, without disrupting the skin barrier.
Balances Oily & Combination Skin
Absorbs excess sebum to reduce breakouts, mattify skin and reduce shine.
Refines Texture
Provides gentle exfoliation to smooth the surface and soften rough patches.
Minimises Pores
Kaolin white clay helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by keeping them clear.
Soothes Sensitive Skin
Calms inflammation and redness, making it a gentle alternative to harsher clarifying treatments.
How to include Kaolin in your skincare routine
Kaolin works best when used as a targeted treatment or weekly clarifying ritual. It’s particularly effective as a face mask but can also be used in exfoliating formulas or combined with other ingredients to suit your skin’s needs.
Start with freshly cleansed skin.
Use a gentle cleansing face wash to remove dirt and SPF before applying Kaolin.
Apply as a mask.
Apply a Kaolin mask to the face and neck in an even layer. Relax for around 12 minutes and then gently wash away.
Use weekly.
Depending on your skin type, 1–2 times per week is ideal for keeping pores clear and maintaining balanced skin.
Follow with hydration.
After rinsing, pat dry and apply a hydrating tonic water that will help restore the skin’s pH and moisture levels, allowing your skin to effectively absorb the rest of the products in your routine.
Make sure to moisturise.
Apply a restorative face cream to moisturise and nourish the skin. If your skin is feeling sensitive, you can layer a soothing serum first.
Protect with SPF.
Using an SPF of at least 30 will help protect your skin if you are going outside after using a face mask.
How does Kaolin work on the skin?
Kaolin gently draws out excess oil, impurities, and debris from the skin’s surface and within pores. Unlike some clays, it doesn’t dry out or strip the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
The clay also gently exfoliates as it’s rinsed away, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter, smoother appearance.
Its ability to calm redness and inflammation makes Kaolin a good choice for skin that needs a reset - whether after breakouts, hormonal flare-ups, or general sensitivity. With consistent use, it helps keep skin looking clean, refined, and balanced.
How to layer Kaolin ~ which ingredients to use and which to avoid
When paired with the right products, Kaolin can enhance your skin’s clarity and comfort.
Pairs well with:
Silver Hydrosol
Supports the purifying and anti-bacterial properties of Kaolin, while soothing the skin.
Aloe Vera
Calms and cools while Kaolin cleanses - that’s why our Silver Face Mask, le masque infini, combines both.
DNA HP
A super hydrator that draws in moisture without clogging pores.
Use with caution:
AHAs/BHAs
May overexfoliate when combined with exfoliating clays and irritate the skin
Retinoids
Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, which can cause dryness, peeling, and sensitivity - using both together can make your skin too sensitive.
Alcohol-based products
Can disrupt the barrier when used alongside clarifying clays.
For more on the origins and skincare uses of this natural mineral, read our article on Kaolin Clay in skincare.
