Clay is a naturally abundant material that has been used for centuries for many different applications. Some of the common types include Kaolin and Bentonite, two types of bentonite clay powder used in various projects. Both of these structures look quite similar but there are few differences between them.
Kaolin vs Bentonite Clay
Kaolin clay, otherwise called China clay, is a white earth that is constantly mined everywhere throughout the world. It is gentle and usually used in beauty industry for example face masks, scrubs. In addition, kaolin clay is also an ingredient in ceramics, paper and even toothpaste.
Bentonite clay, however, is a grey-green colored clay derived from volcanic ash. It is popular water-absorbable, expands after being hydrated. In addition to drilling muds and cat litter, pure bentonite clay powder is also commonly used as the clay sealant required on all regulated landfill sites.
Kaolin Clay; Good and Bad
Adding Kaolin clay is great for your projects. Your skin will be also so smooth as this item very gentle on the skin and a good way to cleanse and remove dead skin cells. It is also soothing and can help to calm irritation, as well as tone down redness. You can also work conveniently with Kaolin clay.
Yet, the use of Kaolin clay does come with a few disadvantages. It may not absorb oil as well as other clays, so this is a con for oily or combination skin. It also has a relatively low pH so that it is not only ideal for pests, but many are there out growing something which would not be really good for the projects.
Examining the Different Uses for Bentonite Clay
One of the most versatile ingredients used in a variety of applications is bentonite clay. This makes it perfect as an absorbent for drilling more and cat litter. It is also found as an ingredient in face masks, aloe vera and hair treatments that are said to help cleanse the skin and scalp.
The most important advantage of Bentonite clay is that it cleans the skin of impurities by pulling them out. It also helps to open the pores and control inflammation. It is popular choice for oily, acne prone skin due to its antibacterial properties.
What to Consider when Selecting between Kaolin and Bentonite Clay?
Below are some factors to consider when choosing between Kaolin and Bentonite clay for your project. The first of which is the nature of your project. Kaolin clay is better for skin care products so if you are making a face mask, this might be the right product. For a 2nd cup of water bentonite clay would be preferable if you require something that is more absorbent.
Kaolin clay is less drying than Bentonite clay and therefore more suitable if you have dry or sensitive skin. If your skin is on the oily side (or you struggle with acne), bentonite clay powder may more suitable and help to draw out excess oil and impurities.
How to Pick the Right Clay for Your Project?
So, when figuring out which clay is best for your project consider the properties of each one and how they relate to what you hope to achieve. If what you want is a soft and calming clay, then kaolin is probably your best bet. If you are looking for a clay that can absorb oil and detoxify your skin, then maybe Bentonite would be more appropriate.
You should also do a patch test before using any clay on your skin to make sure you don't have any reaction. Also use the prices and availability of each clay to help you figure out what your best choice is for a project.
Basically, the difference between Kaolin and Bentonite clay is that their compositions are unique even though they share similar benefits. Through this article, you have learned the differences between terracotta and polymer clays and based on what work we can choose the clay. Kaolin for a milder clay and Bentonite for it detox abilities can be usefull in your project.
