Adding clay, normally used for ceramics?

[McSpin]

Hi, I'm new to the forum.

I've just started making some cold process soaps and want to stay all natural. I've noticed clay is used to color some soaps and was wondering if it had to be a special clay or can I use my red and dark brown clays that I have for making ceramics? It is far cheaper than many of the clays I'm seeing in the soap making suppliers offerings.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Obsidian]

I wouldn't use it. Clay made for cosmetics have been purified so they are skin safe, ceramic clays could have toxins in them still. There is a reason cosmetic clays cost more but they are worth it and a little goes a long way.

 

[xraygrl]

I wouldn't. The clays sold by soap suppliers are cosmetic grade, the clays used in ceramics are not. In order to use it in bath/body products they should be cosmetic grade. Technical grade clays can contain too many impurities (like high levels of lead) to be used in soap/cosmetics

 

[McSpin]

That makes sense. It does bring to mind another question. I see ingredients listed as "food grade" and others as "cosmetic grade". Is there a difference?

 

[Obsidian]

Food grade is even purer then cosmetic grade. This is why you don't consume EO's made for cosmetics, they aren't safe for eating.

 

[Earthen_Step]

That makes sense. It does bring to mind another question. I see ingredients listed as "food grade" and others as "cosmetic grade". Is there a difference?

Food grade is suitable for internal use, if used correctly. Cosmetic grade is external use only.