3rd TAGRA

The global shift toward natural cosmetic and personal care products has expanded the utilization of clay minerals as active ingredients and multifunctional texture modifiers in skin, hair, and beauty formulations. Clay minerals are hydrous phyllosilicates characterized by unique physicochemical attributes, such as high specific surface area, cation exchange capacity (CEC), adsorption potential, biocompatibility, and chemical inertness. These properties have established them as essential components in modern cosmetic and dermatological products. The efficacy of these minerals in skin and hair care is derived from the physicochemical interactions between the clay surface and the skin microenvironment, facilitating the removal of sebum, sweat, and environmental pollutants. The layered architecture of smectites and the exceptional adsorption capacity of fibrous clays allow for the development of innovative formulations with advanced properties, including deep cleansing, oil control, anti-inflammatory action, and targeted active ingredient delivery. However, ensuring consumer safety necessitates the implementation of stringent geological purification protocols, rigorous heavy metal analysis, the exclusion of asbestiform fibers and free crystalline silica, and pH adjustment to ensure compatibility with the skin’s natural physiological acidity. When subjected to standardized purification and targeted surface modification, clay minerals represent highly efficient and safe options for enhancing the quality of therapeutic and aesthetic skin and hair care products.