Kaolin vs. Bentonite Clay and Adding Green Tea Extract to Masks

Kaolin and Bentonite are both types of clay commonly used in cosmetic masks for their absorbent properties, but they have some key differences:

• Kaolin: This is a gentler clay, often suitable for sensitive skin. It is effective at absorbing excess oil (sebum) from the skin's surface and has mild exfoliating properties.
• Bentonite: This clay is known for its strong absorption capabilities. It swells significantly when mixed with water and is highly effective at drawing out impurities, toxins, and excess oil from pores. Bentonite is generally considered more absorbent for impurities than Kaolin.

For absorbing oil and impurities, Bentonite is typically more potent due to its higher swelling capacity and ability to pull out deeper impurities. However, Kaolin is also effective for oil absorption and provides a milder exfoliation.

Regarding your question about incorporating Green Tea Extract into a clay mask, yes, it is possible and can offer additional benefits. Green Tea Extract, such as Hi-EGCG™, Pure-EGCG™, or ActiveRelease™ EGCG, contains powerful antioxidants like EGCG which can help reduce skin oiliness and provide anti-inflammatory effects. These properties complement the actions of clay in a mask, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.

When adding Green Tea Extract to a clay mask formulation, especially water-soluble types like Hi-EGCG™ or ActiveRelease™ EGCG, it's generally best to mix it into the water phase before combining with the clay, or add it in the final step of your formulation process. Avoid exposing the extract to high heat (above 40°C) to maintain its effectiveness. Pure-EGCG™ is a powder that can be dispersed in the cream or gel texture or has low solubility in water.