Kaolin and Bentonite Clay

We look for thisReviewed September 18, 2026

Kaolin · Bentonite · Montmorillonite · Illite · Green Clay

Absorbent mineral clays that pull oil and debris out of the skin's surface.

What it does: Actives & treatment
Our take: Genuinely useful once or twice a week and almost impossible to get wrong. The failure mode is overuse, clay every night on already-dry skin creates the tightness people then try to fix with heavier creams. Twice a week, maximum.
Suitable from: Tween, 8+ · Teen, 13+ · Young adult, 20+
Best for: Oil control · Blemish & congestion
Skin types: Oily · Combination · Blemish-prone

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What we read

EU CosIng · reviewed Sep 2026

Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.

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ParabensPhthalatesFormaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservativesPEG compoundsPolysorbatesEthoxylated ingredientsDEA, TEA and MEA compoundsBHA and BHTPetrolatum, mineral oil and paraffinIsothiazolinone preservativesRetinol and retinyl estersHydroquinoneChemical UV filtersTalcCoal tar and synthetic dyesPFAS and fluorinated compoundsTriclosan and triclocarbanAntibacterials and antimicrobials we excludeSynthetic fragranceSynthetic musksSodium lauryl and laureth sulfateEDTA and synthetic chelatorsIndustrial solventsHeavy metalsPlastic microbeads and film-formersAerosol propellantsOther synthetic preservatives we excludeCyclic silicones

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