What Is The Difference Between Kaolin Clay vs Bentonite Clay?

Cosmetic clay is a versatile natural skin and hair care emollient with widespread benefits for skin and holistic wellbeing. It is primarily used for detoxification and purification of the skin and comes in different forms and colours. From facial cleansers to exfoliating scalp masks, you must be familiar with their sweeping popularity. 

The two most common names among the extensive varieties of clay cosmetics are kaolin clay and bentonite clay. Yes, these white and grey shades of natural clays and powders are ruling our social media feed, earning enormous appreciation from the users.

They are the most economical and skin-safe ingredients for all the clean beauty fans and skincare advocates. This blog will go over everything you need to know about this magical goodness of nature. But before that, let’s understand them individually 

What Is Kaolin Clay?

Kaolin clay is a mineral-rich powder that is extracted from the deposits of metamorphic rock. It occurs in a pale-white colour that might turn red, green or orange due to iron infusions. This variety of clay is widely used for crafting multiple personal care products like soaps, bath bombs, cleansers, ceramide lotions, creams, and many other bath and body care essentials. Kaolin Clay is easily available and comes at an extremely affordable price that can best fit the pockets of skincare makers, soap makers and more. 

What Is Bentonite Clay?

This grey, velvety clay powder carries its roots from a more than a hundred-year-old culture when it was first discovered. Bentonite clay is an extremely potent natural ingredient that carries the harmony of many essential minerals, like silica and magnesium. They are considered an excellent anti-ageing compound that can improve skin vitality, giving it a radiant and youthful charm. It has endless uses that can restore the best benefits for your skin and hair. 

Kaolin Clay vs Bentonite Clay - Decoding The Differences

Everything about these supple mud powders is pure and promising. From their genesis to the present hype, they truly encompass nature’s true treasure within them. Studying the difference between them will help you harness the best results for your skin. 

• Origin

Kaolin or Chinese clay is a white powder obtained from the weathering of aluminium silicate minerals that are primarily found in metamorphic rock. The history of this potent ceramide substance dates back to ancient Chinese culture, where it was first discovered. 

On the contrary, the Bentonite clay was primarily identified in the Wyoming hills located in the subregions of the western USA about 150 years ago. Derived from chemical reactions between volcanic ashes and seawater, bentonite imitates the energies of multiple minerals and geological substances. This ancient mud possesses a hundred benefits across various industries, making it recognised as the ‘Clay of Hundered Uses’ among various cultures. 

• Extraction Method

The extraction process of kaolin from the earth’s surface involves open-pit mining with the help of excavators and mechanised drillers. This process is followed by a wet-processing technique to get rid of sand and mineral impurities to obtain high-grade Kaolin powder. Comparatively, bentonite clay is obtained by removing the top layer of soil to dig the bentonite deposits. It is done by using scarpers, mechanised digging machines, buldozers and excavators. The extracted bentonite is dried in industries using coal-based driers and fine-grinding machines to get the finest quality of this clay compound. 

• Skincare and Haircare Benefits

Both clay powders are home to many amazing skin and hair benefits. Where kaolin serves a range of skin-promising effects for sensitive and combination skin types, bentonite makes the best choice for oily skin tones. It has deep absorbent properties that remove impurities and regulate excessive oil production. 

Not only this, bentonite, when combined with the nourishing goodness of essential oils like rosemary essential oil and tea-tree essential oil, helps in improving scalp health by combating the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria and dust particles.

• Skin texture

Application of a kaolin face mask helps in improving skin texture by getting rid of dead skin cells and impurities, giving you a lighter, brighter and radiant skin. Relatively, using bentonite clay cleansers helps in soothing inflammation and supports the recovery of uneven skin patterns. 

• Common Uses

There is a prevalent difference between the uses of kaolin and bentonite clay powder. From cosmetics to pharmaceutical essentials, kaolin powder is extensively incorporated across various industries. It is also used in the manufacturing of bulbs, insulators, water purifiers, paints, coatings and multiple other goods. 

The mineral-rich composition of bentonite also serves a long list of uses in skincare, oral care and haircare products. Besides, it also has an extensive demand in the agricultural and waste management sectors, making it the best eco-friendly additive. 

• Cost

The price of high-grade, quality clay powder ranges between 20$ to 25$ for 1lb. Kaolin clay is slightly economical in comparison to standard rates of bentonite clay. The best option is to buy them from a wholesale clay cosmetic supplier to get high-quality products at a reasonable price. 

• Aroma and texture

Dry kaolin clay is an odourless powder with faint earthy undertones and a fine, velvety texture. On the other side, pure bentonite clay is an odourless powder which turns into a fine, smooth paste upon mixing with water. 

• Solubility

Clay powders are insoluble in water and other organic compounds. Kaolin forms a thick paste when mixed with water, while bentonite swells upon hydration due to it’s rich absorbent properties. 

Eager to explore different types of clays? Find out about types of clays and their benefits this detailed guide. 

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding the difference between kaolin and bentonite clay opens up endless ways to experience the natural goodness of clay cosmetics. This also helps in making informed choices and selecting the best product for the skin. However, it is exceptionally important to source quality clay powders in this high-demand market. The best way is to purchase your clay powder from a trusted online supplier of clay cosmetics. They provide standard quality at an affordable price, along with great discounts on wholesale orders.

Aromachology is proud to offer 100% natural clays and powders for cosmetics, skincare and soap making in wholesale and bulk. As a leading essential oil supplier in USA, we aim to deliver highest quality ingredients with authentic certificates for all businesses.