Products
Kaolin (white clay) is available in pharmacies and drugstores as a pure substance in technical grade and in pharmacopoeia grade. It is also found in some medicines (e.g., Bolus alba comp. powder from Wala), in many cosmetics, and in personal care products.
Structure and properties
White clay (PhEur) is a natural, purified, odorless, hydrous aluminum silicate of varying composition (H2Al2Si2O8 – H2O). It exists as a white to grayish-white, fine, greasy to the touch powder and is practically insoluble in water and organic solvents. When mixed with a little water, it forms a malleable mass. This definition refers to the pharmacopoeial grade. Technical grades may have different properties.
Effects
Kaolin has adsorbent, cleansing, and astringent properties.
Fields of application (selection)
External applications:
- Clay wraps, for example, for muscle and joint pain.
- For cosmetic applications, for example, for powders and masks.
Internal applications:
- Like activated charcoal as an old household remedy for complaints in the digestive tract, such as diarrhea (finished drug).
As a pharmaceutical excipient:
- For example, for the manufacture of tablets.
For the removal of grease stains:
- Pipe clay is a time-honored remedy for the removal of grease stains on a wide variety of materials (eg textiles, stone slabs). It is sprinkled on the stains and allowed to act. The clay is then removed, for example by tapping or with a vacuum cleaner. The exposure time depends on the material.
In addition, there are numerous technical applications. Kaolin is used, among other things, for the manufacture of paper and porcelain.
Interactions
Kaolin can bind active pharmaceutical ingredients and thus reduce their uptake into the body (absorption), which can lead to a reduction or loss of effect. Kaolin should therefore be taken at least two hours apart.
