What is the difference between kaolin and bentonite?
If you’ve been using bentonite clay for skin care but are looking for something gentler, then kaolin clay may be the perfect option. Believe it or not, this versatile clay can be used as a gentle cleanser, a gentle exfoliator, a natural acne treatment and teeth whitening treatment, as well as a treatment for diarrhea, ulcers and some toxic diseases. It is rich in minerals and detoxifying ingredients, but is softer and less drying than many other clays. Let’s look at what kaolin clay (kaolinite) is, where it is mined, and how you can use it on your skin, hair, teeth, and more.
What is Kaolin clay?
Kaolin clay is a special type of clay made up of kaolinite, a mineral that is found throughout the earth. It is also sometimes called white clay or Chinese clay. Kaolinite was named after the Kao-ling hill in China, where this clay was mined for hundreds of years. Today, kaolinite is mined in many places around the world, including China, the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Bulgaria and other countries. 
It is most abundant in soils formed by the weathering of rocks in hot, humid climates, such as tropical forests. This clay is soft, usually white or pink, and consists of tiny crystals of minerals including silica, quartz and feldspar. This clay naturally contains the minerals copper, selenium, manganese, magnesium and zinc. However, it is not typically eaten for its nutrients, but is usually taken to treat gastrointestinal problems or more commonly applied topically to the skin. In addition, kaolinite, kaolin and pectin are used in pottery and ceramics, as well as in the production of toothpaste, cosmetics, light bulbs, china, porcelain, some papers, rubber, paints and many other industrial products. There are several different types and colors of kaolin clays, including:
- Although this clay is usually white, kaolinite can also have a pink-orange-red hue due to iron oxidation and rust formation. Red kaolin clay indicates high levels of iron oxide near where the clay is located. This type is most suitable for people who want to prevent the signs of aging.
- Green kaolin clay comes from clay containing plant matter. It also has high levels of iron oxide. This type of clay is the most drying and best for people with acne-prone or oily skin.
What are the benefits of Kaolin clay?
Here are some of the potential benefits of using this clay:
1. Soft and does not irritate sensitive skin when applied. Kaolin clay is suitable for almost all skin types and is considered one of the softest clays available. It is used in products such as masks and facial scrubs, which help cleanse and exfoliate the skin, leaving behind a smoother, more even skin tone and texture. Because this clay is gentle, it is a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin and has detoxifying properties.
Kaolin has a pH level similar to that of human skin. This means that it is generally non-irritating and is a good product for people with sensitive, delicate or dry skin. Additionally, kaolin can be applied to the hair and scalp to help cleanse and reduce irritation without drying out the hair. Likewise, it can be used in the mouth to cleanse gums and whiten teeth.
2. May help relieve acne and signs of inflammation. According to a 2010 report, natural clays have been used to treat skin infections since ancient times. Clays have natural antibacterial properties and can kill a wide range of human pathogens that cause skin rashes and acne.
How is kaolin useful for acne? Because kaolin absorbs excess oil and dirt from the skin, it helps unclog pores and prevent blackheads and pimples. Some also find it soothing and helps reduce redness and signs of inflammation. You can even use it to exfoliate acne-prone skin without the consequences of irritation. If you use kaolin clay to exfoliate about twice a week, your skin will become softer, smoother, brighter and less oily.
3. May help reduce signs of aging. For those who want to prevent the signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles, kaolin clay can help tone and tighten the skin.
There is some evidence that it may help improve skin elasticity and firmness due to its ability to remove dead cells and flaky, dry skin. The iron found in kaolin clay, especially the red types, is believed to help soften the skin and fight damage. It can also improve overall skin tone and smoothness by reducing dark spots, redness, and signs of irritation due to rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy.
4. Potentially helps in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and stomach ulcers. Kaolin and pectin is a liquid preparation of kaolinite plus pectic fiber that can be used to treat diarrhea and internal or stomach ulcers in the digestive tract. It is thought to work by attracting and trapping bacteria and germs that can cause diarrhea.
The most common commercially produced kaolinite drugs for the treatment of diarrhea are “attapulgite” and “bismuth subsalicylate” (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol). Another traditional use of this clay is to soothe the stomach. In some parts of the world, people have historically used kaolinite internally to suppress their appetite and detoxify.
5. Helps blood clotting. Certain types of kaolin are used to speed up blood clotting and stop dangerous bleeding. For example, the Naval Medical Research Institute in the United States uses aluminosilicate infusions of kaolinite in certain types of gauze materials to treat wounded soldiers.
How to use Kaolin clay?
By purchasing dry or powdered kaolin clay, you can make your own natural skin cleansers, masks and facial scrubs at home. You can also use commercial products made from kaolinite, or you can add kaolin to your favorite cleansers.
To make your own skin care products using kaolin, mix smooth clay with a little water to create a paste that is easier to work with. There are tiny crystals inside the paste that help exfoliate, cleanse and refresh the skin by connecting with oil, impurities and dead cells which are then removed. The amount of water that needs to be added depends on the size of the kaolinite particles and the specific chemicals that may be present in the kaolin. Read the instructions carefully to determine the best ratio. Start with a small amount of water and increase as needed. It is necessary to prepare a thin paste-like consistency that is thick enough to be spread on the skin.
- Use on face – Apply kaolin to damp skin and rub in gently. Let it absorb into the skin for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- In the bath – Add a pound of kaolin clay and a pound of Epsom salts to a warm bath to treat your skin and relax at the same time. You can also add essential oils such as lavender oil to further enhance relaxation and skin health.
- On the hair – prepare a kaolin paste and then apply it to your scalp and roots. Leave it there for about five minutes, then rinse well with shampoo and conditioner.
- For dental health – Add a small amount of kaolin clay to your toothpaste to clean your gums and whiten your teeth by removing plaque. Make sure you do not swallow the clay, and then rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Taking kaolin orally: Pectin and kaolin are taken orally as a liquid suspension, often to help with diarrhea in adults (but not in children). It can be taken with or without food. For best results, it is recommended to take it within one to two days of the onset of diarrhea. For adults, the usual dose is four to eight spoons (60 to 120 milliliters) taken after each loose bowel movement. It works best when you drink plenty of fluids with it and follow a non-irritating and gentle diet for a few days.
What is the difference between Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay?
One of the most important differences between these two clays, which are used to make face masks and other cosmetics, is their pH level. Bentonite has a higher pH than kaolin, which means it is gentler and less irritating.
Bentonite also absorbs more water than kaolinite, which means it can be more drying. This makes kaolin a better choice for people with sensitive, dry or damaged skin, while bentonite may be a better choice for very oily skin.
Risks and side effects
Kaolin clay is generally non-toxic and safe for most people when used topically in small amounts. Contact with kaolin powder can be potentially dangerous and should not be applied to open wounds. You should also avoid using it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to other facial clays.
If you take kaolin and pectin orally, consult your doctor first. Report any side effects, including constipation, fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, or inability to have a bowel movement. Be careful when combining products containing kaolin, pectin, with other medications, including antibiotics and laxatives.
Some forms of kaolinite can be dangerous if large quantities are inhaled. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit for safe occupational exposure to kaolin at 15 mg/m3 total exposure and 5 mg/m3 respiratory exposure over an eight-hour workday. Other authorities suggest that the safe limit should be even lower, at 10 mg/m3 of total exposure per day.
Conclusion
Kaolin clay is a soft white clay containing minerals, including kaolinite, which has a cleansing and soothing effect on the skin. It can also be applied to teeth and hair, and taken orally to treat diarrhea. Where is kaolin clay obtained from? It is a clay that can be found in soils all over the world, including China, the United States, Brazil and many other countries. This clay has many similarities to bentonite clay, but it is less irritating and drying, making it better for delicate skin. Can kaolin be harmful to the skin? Kaolin is generally safe for skin and suitable for most skin types, but it is best to start with a small amount. Do not take kaolin internallywithout first consulting your doctor, and avoid using it if you are allergic to silica products or other clays.
Abstract of a scientific article on nanotechnology, author of the scientific work – Danilov Mikhail Sergeevich, Vorobyov Alexander Lvovich
It has been established that zeolites and bentonite clays have a similar chemical composition (silicon and aluminum oxides in the base). Electron microscopic examination determined that mineral compounds consist of particles ranging in size from 2 to 10 microns.
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Similar topics of scientific work on nanotechnology, the author of the scientific work is Mikhail Sergeevich Danilov, Alexander Lvovich Vorobyov
Preparation of a functional feed additive based on rice flour and bentonite
Preparation of a functional feed additive based on bentonite clays and carotene-containing raw materials
Features of the genesis of the Taganskoe bentonite deposit in the Zaisan depression
Bentonite clay, its physical and chemical characteristics and use in the national economy
Efficiency of using natural sorbents of Eastern Kazakhstan in purifying water from heavy metal ions (Cu2*)
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Comparative description of zeolite and bentonite extracted in the Eastern Kazakhstan
It is determined in the issue of composition examination that zeolite and bentonite have similar chemical composition. The main body is silicon oxide and aluminum oxide. It is determined by electronic-microscope researching that mineral compounds consist of particles which have dimensions data from 2 to 10 micrometer.
Text of the scientific work on the topic “Comparative characteristics of some mineral compounds of Eastern Kazakhstan”
VETERINARY ON UKI
UDC 619:615.32:612.017.2 M.S. Danilov, A.L. Vorobyov
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME MINERAL COMPOUNDS OF EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN
It has been established that zeolites and bentonite clays have a similar chemical composition (silicon and aluminum oxides in the base). Electron microscopic examination determined that mineral compounds consist of particles ranging in size from 2 to 10 microns.
Key words: zeolites, bentonite clays, chemical composition, dispersity.
The creation of new environmentally friendly and effective drugs based on natural mineral compounds for the treatment and prevention of animal diseases is one of the important tasks of modern veterinary science. A significant direction for these purposes is the use of zeolites and bentonites.
In Eastern Kazakhstan there are several deposits of zeolites and bentonite
Zeolite is a mineral belonging to the group of aluminosilicates. It has a positive effect on the growth and development of young farm animals, has high sorption activity against toxins, heavy metal salts, pathogenic microflora, and intensifies metabolic processes in the body. Zeolite increases the productivity and safety of animals, reduces the number of stillbirths and malnutrition, and the incidence of diseases of the neonatal (colostrum) period. The mechanism of action of zeolites is associated with the normalization of the content and ratio of micro- and macroelements, maintaining the interaction of all body systems and metabolic processes [1, 2, 3, 4].
Despite a significant number of works on the beneficial effects of zeolites in livestock farming in countries near and far abroad, there is insufficient research in Kazakhstan. Although only in Eastern Kazakhstan there are two large deposits of zeolites – Taizhuzgenskoye and Bagration, each with a volume of several million tons.
The Taganskoe bentonite clay deposit is located in the Zaisan depression in Eastern Kazakhstan. Bentonite clays are fine clays consisting primarily of montmorillonite group minerals. These natural compounds have high binding capacity, adsorption, catalytic and antimicrobial activity.
© Danilov M.S., Vorobyov A.L., 2012
Based on bentonite clays, gels are produced in medicine – highly astringent liquids that can form a smooth, non-sliding continuous film on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. Among clay minerals, bentonites have the greatest swelling and gel-forming properties [5, 6].
The positive effect of bentonites has been established when raising young farm animals and poultry. When added to the diet, a mineral compound improves protein and mineral metabolism, increases weight gain and the safety of livestock [7, 8].
The purpose of the research was to study the chemical composition and structure of zeolites from the Bagration deposit and bentonites from the Taganskoye deposit.
Materials and methods
The objects of the study were samples of zeolites and bentonites from the indicated deposits. The work was carried out in the engineering laboratory “Ipretao” of the East Kazakhstan State Technical University named after. D. Serikbaeva together with research engineers S.N. Polezhaev and A.B. Sadibekov.
The chemical composition of zeolites and bentonites was studied on an ICP-MS Agilent 7500 CX inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Structural analysis of the compounds was determined using an ISM-6390-LV scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive microanalysis system.
Bentonite was dried in an oven at a temperature of 180-200°C for 1 hour and ground in a vibratory mill to a fine powder. The latter is most applicable for creating bentonite hydrogels.
The research results showed that zeolites from the Bagration deposit are a fine powder of light gray color, tasteless and odorless. When studying the chemical composition, it was revealed that this mineral contains silicon oxide (56,4%), aluminum oxide (24,6%), iron oxide (3,65%). Oxides of other chemical elements are contained in smaller quantities (table).
The main part in bentonite clays is silicon oxide (62,20%) and aluminum oxide (25,30%). The content of oxides of iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese and titanium is insignificant.
Chemical composition of zeolites and bentonites
Chemical compounds Content in zeolites, % Content in bentonites, %
SiO2 – silicon oxide (IV) 56,40 62,20
L1203 – aluminum oxide 24,60 25,30
Be203 – iron (III) oxide 3,60 1,90
CaO – calcium oxide 1,60 0,60
М§0 – magnesium oxide 1,90 1,80
B03 – sulfur oxide (VI) 0,12 0,11
No. 20 – sodium oxide 1,70 2,10
K20 – potassium oxide 3,90 0,70
P205 – phosphorus oxide (V) 0,12 0,17
Mn0 – manganese (II) oxide 0,10 0,21
TiO2 – titanium (IV) oxide 4,90 0,60
The most important feature of the mineral compounds under study is their dispersity – a determining factor in manufacturability and application.
An electron microscopic study of zeolite (x3000) revealed that the mineral particles have sizes predominantly from 2 to 5 microns, slightly flattened shape, and a thickness of 1-2 microns (Fig. 1).
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Rice. 1. Zeolites of the Bagration deposit
Electron microscopic examination of crushed bentonite showed that the mineral consists of particles ranging in size from 2 to 10 microns of various shapes. Some large particles have a loose structure (Fig. 2).
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Rice. 2. Bentonite from the Taganskoe deposit
The results obtained showed that the main element of zeolites and bentonites is silicon oxide. This compound plays an important role in the construction of the body’s connective tissues, bones, cartilage and blood vessels, and is necessary for the formation of collagen and keratin, skin and hair cells. Based on this, zeolites and bentonites are effective means of preventing microelementosis in animals.
In addition, the structure of bentonites has layers with a weak connection between them, which facilitates the penetration of water and medicinal components. As a result, bentonites have pronounced emulsifying properties and mix well with any additives, which significantly expands the biological potential of using this group of minerals.
Zeolites and bentonites from deposits in Eastern Kazakhstan have similar chemical composition and physical structure. Mineral compounds are acceptable for use as mineral feed additives and bases for the creation of veterinary therapeutic and prophylactic drugs.
1. Shadrin, A.M. Application of natural zeolites in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine / A.M. Shadrin // Veterinary medicine. – 1998. – No. 10. – P. 46-48.
2. Zhukov, I.V. The influence of natural zeolites on the resistance of the animal body / I.V. Zhukov // Veterinary medicine. – 2001. – No. 5 – P. 49-51.
3. Nozdracheva, E.V. The influence of zeolite from the Pegasus deposit on some clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters in calves with rickets / E.V. Nozdracheva, A.A. Elenschläger // Achievements of veterinary medicine – 21st century. – Barnaul. – 2002. – Part 1. – P. 166-168.
4. Yarovan, N.I. Biochemical aspects of assessment, diagnosis and prevention of technological stress in farm animals: abstract of thesis. dis. . Doctor of Biology Sciences / N.I. Yarovan. – M., 2008. – 43 p.
5. Batalova, Sh.B. Physico-chemical basis for the production and use of catalysts and adsorbents from bentonites / Sh.B. Batalova. – Alma-Ata: Science. – 1986. – 254 p.
6. Muravyov, I.A. Medicine technology / I.A. Muravyov. – M.: Medicine. – 1971. – 348 p.
7. Bulatov, A. Bentonite in the diets of broiler chickens / A. Bulatov, N. Lushnikov, I. Mikolaichik // Animal husbandry of Russia. – 2005. – No. 3. – P. 40-41.
8. Raitskaya, V. Bentonites – highly effective complex additives / V. Raitskaya, M. Nikitina, T. Kuznetsova // Animal husbandry of Russia. – 2005. – No. 6. – P. 55.
MS Danilov, AL Vorobyov
Comparative description of zeolite and bentonite extracted in the Eastern Kazakhstan
It is determined in the issue of composition examination that zeolite and bentonite have similar chemical composition. The main body is silicon oxide and aluminum oxide. It is determined by electronic-microscope researching that mineral compounds consist of particles which have dimensions data from 2 to 10 micrometer.
Key words: zeolites, bentonite clay, chemical composition, dispersion.
