Kaolin (CAS 1332-58-7) — Woody Fragrance Ingredient
Kaolin
CAS 1332-58-7
What Is Kaolin?
Kaolin is a naturally occurring white clay mineral, often encountered in skincare products, ceramics, and as a fragrance fixative. It’s the primary component in porcelain clay and gives certain powders their smooth texture. In perfumery, kaolin serves as an odorless base that helps anchor volatile fragrance components. Its fine particle structure makes it invaluable for controlling scent release rates in solid perfumes and sachets.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Kaolin Smell Like?
Kaolin itself is odorless, acting as a blank canvas in perfumery. When blended with fragrances, it imparts a dry, earthy texture reminiscent of sun-baked riverbanks or antique parchment. Its mineral character subtly grounds floral bouquets, adding a tactile dimension that evokes ceramic vessels storing precious oils. The clay’s absorbency creates a gradual scent release, like ancient perfumed tablets slowly revealing their secrets when warmed.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Kaolin provides the sun-dried earth backbone of this summer fragrance, mimicking the mineral warmth of Mediterranean terracotta pots that slowly release the scent of their floral contents.
Used as a fixative to recreate the dry mineral quality of desert winds carrying traces of spice and amber across clay landscapes.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Kaolin is a hydrated aluminum silicate (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) formed by the weathering of feldspar rocks. Its plate-like crystalline structure gives exceptional absorbency. Industrial processing involves washing to remove impurities, followed by calcination for specific particle sizes. Unlike synthetic clays, natural kaolin maintains trace mineral profiles that subtly interact with fragrance molecules through hydrogen bonding and capillary action.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | >1750 °C (decomposes) |
| Particle Size | 0.2-10 μm |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Perfumes | 30-60% | Up to 80% | Primary bulking agent |
| Sachets | 50-70% | 30-90% | Absorbs and slowly releases scent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Sterilize with gamma irradiation before use to prevent microbial growth in water-containing formulations.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More absorbent swelling clay for formulations requiring higher oil retention, though with stronger mineral odor interference.
Siliceous alternative offering sharper scent diffusion but requiring careful handling due to respiratory hazards.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No restrictions – exempt from IFRA regulation as a mineral material (Category 11).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM classifies kaolin as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for all fragrance applications.
Sustainability
Kaolin mining has moderate environmental impact due to land disturbance, but deposits are abundant globally. Synthetic alternatives exist but require more energy-intensive production. Responsible sourcing includes rehabilitation of mined areas and water recycling in processing plants. Cosmetic-grade kaolin is typically a byproduct of industrial ceramic production, maximizing resource efficiency.
Explore Kaolin
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- Murray H.H. (2007). Applied Clay Mineralogy. Elsevier. ISBN 9780444517012
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2013). Safety Assessment of Kaolin. DOI 10.1177/1091581813507081
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1332-58-7Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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