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Moumoujus

CLAY EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING

Clay Extract, also known as Argilla Extract, is a multi-functional ingredient prized for its ability to purify and condition the skin. It effectively adsorbs impurities, excess sebum, and environmental pollutants, promoting a clean, refreshed complexion while forming a barrier to help maintain moisture and skin smoothness.

Summary

Skin conditioning Adsorbing agent Detoxifying agent Clarifying agent Exfoliating agent Pore minimizing agent Blemish reduction Antioxidant Antimicrobial Wound healing support Emulsion stabilizer Bulking agent Viscosity controller

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating primarily as a skin conditioning agent, Clay Extract helps maintain soft, smooth, and healthy-looking skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents dryness. It functions through adsorption, leveraging unique ionic charges to attract and bind impurities, excess sebum, product buildup, and environmental pollutants from the skin's surface. Clays also exhibit antimicrobial properties, support skin detoxification by absorbing impurities, and may promote wound healing through inflammation reduction and tissue regeneration. Specifically, kaolin clay clarifies the skin via deep cleansing, exfoliation, and the removal of dead skin cells and pollutants, while acting as a mild astringent to temporarily tighten skin and minimize pore appearance.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1.5–2.5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clay mask formulations containing extract concentrations between 1.5% and 2.5% were stable, met pH requirements, and demonstrated effectiveness in reducing blemishes and pore size, providing moisturization, and exhibiting antioxidant activity without causing skin irritation.
  2. 02 A clay mask formulation combining 25% Kaolin and 1% Bentonite was identified as an optimal formula, exhibiting favorable physical properties such as spreadability and adhesion, acceptable drying times, and contributing to overall antioxidant activity.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Information regarding dusting of Clay Extract is not available in the provided research data.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Clay Extract integrates well into various cosmetic formulations, including creams and masks, functioning as an absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, bulking agent, and viscosity controller. Formulations containing clay extract typically exhibit good stability within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. A pH between 5.5 and 5.8 is often noted for consistency with skin pH in clay masks, while Kaolin clay specifically may have a pH between 4 and 5.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

While generally considered safe for topical application, 'Clay Extract' as a distinct, standalone ingredient lacks specific safety assessments from regulatory bodies like CIR, SCCS, or FDA, which often pertain to individual clay minerals (e.g., Kaolin, Bentonite). Some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin, may experience mild irritation. Rare allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling, are possible. Due to its inherent absorbent properties, Clay Extract may also induce temporary dryness in certain skin types.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Clay Extract is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, effectively purifying, conditioning, and stabilizing cosmetic formulations, offering broad benefits for various skin types, particularly in managing excess oil and imperfections, though potential for dryness or mild irritation on sensitive skin should be considered.

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