Kaolin
Absorbs oil and moisture.
What it is
A soft white clay that occurs naturally in the earth.
Absorbs oil and moisture, gives the product body and makes it less see-through.
What it does in a formula
Absorbs oil and moistureOfficial EU function: Absorbent
Polishes or scrubsOfficial EU function: Abrasive
Adds colorOfficial EU function: Colorant
Makes the formula less see-throughOfficial EU function: Opacifying
Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Bulking
AnticakingOfficial EU function: Anticaking
What official sources say
No specific concern identified · Cosmetics, EU
Allowed as a colorant in all EU cosmetic products, with no extra conditions (Annex IV).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex IV: list of colorants allowed in cosmetic products (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09