A fine-grained mineral material used as an absorbent, bulking agent and thickener.
What it is
Clay is a group of phyllosilicate minerals formed by the chemical and physical weathering of rock. It consists mainly of varying amounts of hydrated silica and alumina, with a particle size of less than 2 micrometres. CosIng lists it as an absorbent, binding, bulking, skin-conditioning and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in face masks, cleansers, powders, dry shampoos and other products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not reveal which clay minerals are present; specific clays such as kaolin and bentonite have their own INCI names.
Functions
- Absorbent
- Taking up water- and/or oil-soluble (dissolved or finely dispersed) substances.
- Binding
- Providing adhesive properties during and after compression in cosmetic tablets and/or cakes.
- Bulking
- Non-reactive (chemically inert), solid ingredients that dilute other solids and/or increase the volume of cosmetic products.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.