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Overview: Kaolin clay is available in products that are applied to the skin and taken by mouth, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects include constipation, stomach pain, and dry or irritated skin. When kaolin clay is taken by mouth for a long time, it may increase your risk for serious side effects, including anemia, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metal poisoning. It may also interact with medicines. Before taking kaolin clay by mouth, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is kaolin clay used for?

Kaolin clay is sometimes taken by mouth to help with nausea or an upset stomach. But its benefits for these uses are not well defined, and taking kaolin clay by mouth may cause other health problems.

Clay-based skin care products may also contain kaolin clay. These products are applied to the skin to remove oil and dirt, but their benefits are not well defined.

Kaolin is also available as an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used to treat diarrhea. These products are not the same as kaolin clay.

Note: Kaolin clay is available over the counter in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. The FDA has not reviewed kaolin clay for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does kaolin clay work (mechanism of action)?

Kaolin is a powder that is naturally found in many regions of the world. When this powder is mixed with water, it forms a type of clay that can be molded into different shapes. It is commonly used to make ceramics and many other industrial products.

One of the main chemicals in kaolin clay, called kaolinite, can bind to substances in the stomach and intestines. This has led to interest in taking kaolin clay to help with nausea or to calm an upset stomach. But kaolin clay has not been well studied for any use, and its benefits are not well defined.

When clay binds to substances in your gut, your body is not able to absorb them. This means that taking kaolin clay by mouth can reduce your ability to absorb important nutrients. When used for only a few days, this may not cause serious problems. But taking it regularly over time may lead to nutrient deficiencies. Kaolin clay can also bind to medicines, which may keep them from working the way that they should.

Some skin care products and facial masks are clay-based. Kaolin is one type of clay used in these products. Clays are thought to help remove extra oil and dirt from the skin. It is not clear how kaolin compares to other types of clay, such as bentonite and rhassoul, that are commonly used in facial masks.

Standardized kaolin powder, which is not the same as kaolin clay, may be available in some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for diarrhea. Kaolin clay is a natural substance that contains many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific kaolin clay product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store kaolin clay?

You should store kaolin clay according to the product label. Most natural products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of kaolin clay?

The most common side effects of kaolin clay are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on how long you use it for and the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation (when taken by mouth)
  • Stomach pain (when taken by mouth)
  • Skin irritation and dryness (when applied to the skin)

There may be other side effects of kaolin clay that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of kaolin clay?

While less common, the most serious side effects of kaolin clay are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Kaolin clay may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using kaolin clay and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Anemia. Taking kaolin clay by mouth, especially in large amounts for a long time, may cause anemia. This is when you have low levels of red blood cells. To prevent this from happening, it is best not to take kaolin clay by mouth for more than a few days. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Nutrient Deficiencies. Taking kaolin clay by mouth, especially in large amounts for a long time, may cause you to become deficient in many different types of nutrients, including zinc, selenium, and copper. To prevent this from happening, it is best not to take kaolin clay by mouth for more than a few days. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Loss of appetite
  • Seizures
  • Severe nausea
  • Slow growth (in children)
  • Sores on the skin

Heavy Metal Poisoning. Kaolin clay may contain large amounts of heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Taking kaolin clay by mouth, especially in large amounts for a long time, may cause heavy metal poisoning, which can be serious. To prevent this from happening, it is best not to take kaolin clay by mouth for more than a few days. Seek medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in behavior
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
  • Nausea and vomiting that does not go away
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Severe stomach pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use kaolin clay?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use kaolin clay.

  • Kaolin
  • Kaolin clay
  • Kaolinite
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific kaolin clay products they stock.

What should I know about kaolin clay before using it?

Kaolin clay may be taken by mouth or added to skin care products. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep kaolin clay out of the reach of children.

Kaolin clay naturally contains various chemicals and minerals. Kaolin clay products may come from many regions of the world. Each source may contain different types and amounts of chemicals and minerals. If you switch to a new product or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Some kaolin clay products have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The FDA has not tested kaolin clay products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using kaolin clay?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin. Kaolin clay skin care products can cause skin irritation in people who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your health care provider before using kaolin-based products.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Kaolin clay may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using kaolin clay, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how kaolin clay could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. But taking kaolin clay by mouth for more than a few days may increase your risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if kaolin clay passes into breast milk. But taking kaolin clay by mouth for more than a few days may increase your risk of nutrient deficiencies. This may reduce the amount of nutrients in your breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does kaolin clay interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between kaolin clay and foods or drinks. But kaolin clay can bind to the nutrients in the foods that you eat, which may reduce how much your body absorbs.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect kaolin clay.

Does kaolin clay interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Kaolin clay may affect the absorption of many medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between kaolin clay and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with kaolin clay is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking kaolin clay with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much kaolin clay?

If you or someone else has used too much kaolin clay, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Kaolin clay is a complex substance that contains a variety of chemicals and minerals. In some cases, it may contain heavy metals that are unsafe. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use kaolin clay safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.