Grant results
Grant Results
Basic Data:
Project ID: GINOP_PLUSZ-1.2.2-22-2022-02286
Beneficiary Name: ClayNature Cosmetics Kft.
Subject and Goal of Development: Support for equipment development at ClayNature Kft.
Contracted Grant Amount: 9,652,184 HUF
Planned Project Completion Date: 06/01/2023
The goal of our developments to be implemented within the framework of the project is to modernize our work processes and make them more efficient. As part of the project, new equipment will be acquired that will play a fundamental role in optimizing daily workflows. During the modernization of the production area, we will install advanced extraction systems and new sieving equipment, which will significantly increase production capacity.
Furthermore, we are carrying out a complete renovation of the laboratory room, thereby ensuring the high quality of our products.
Another important element of the project is the installation of a drinking water connection at our site. This represents progress not only in terms of work processes but also contributes to better working conditions for our staff.
With these developments, our production processes will be faster and more efficient; as a result of the investments, our company's market position will strengthen, which contributes to our long-term stability and growth.
Due to their cleansing effect in addition to their mineral content, various types of clays and clay-containing silts can be used in the cosmetics industry. Because of their crystal structure, clay binds fat molecules and easily removes dead skin layers, which exerts a significant skin-cleansing effect. Since it is a naturally occurring material, the less contaminated it is—or the less it becomes contaminated during processing—the fewer allergenic substances it contains.
During research and development, the literature examining the effects of clays during topical application was reviewed. Furthermore, we conducted laboratory tests to examine the following: metal content, mineral content, optimal grain size, microbiological purity, and the effect of heat treatment and cleaning procedures on crystal structure, skin-cleansing power, and mineral content.
Moraes, Jemima & Bertolino, S. & Cuffini, Silvia & DUCART, DIEGO & Bretzke, Pedro & Leonardi, Gislaine. (2017). Clay minerals: Properties and applications to dermocosmetic products and perspectives of natural raw materials for therapeutic purposes—A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 534.Viseras, Cesar & Aguzzi, Carola & Cerezo, P. & Galindo, Alberto. (2007). Uses of clay minerals in semisolid health care and therapeutic products. Applied Clay Science. 36. 37-50.Galindo, Alberto & Viseras, César. (2004). Pharmaceutical and cosmetic application of clays. Clay Surfaces: Fundamentals and Applications.Carretero, M. & Pozo, Manuel. (2010). Clay and non-clay minerals in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries Part II. Active ingredients. Applied Clay Science. 47. 171-181.Carretero, M.Isabel. (2002). Clay minerals and their beneficial effects upon human health. A Review. Applied Clay Science. 21. 155-163.Valenti, D & Silva, J & Teodoro, Walcy & Velosa, A & Mello, S. (2012). Effect of topical clay application on the synthesis of collagen in skin: An experimental study. Clinical and experimental dermatology. 37.Ferrell, Ray E., Jr. (2008). Medicinal clay and spiritual healing – Clays and Clay Minerals, vol. 56, issue 6, pp. 751- 760 Roland Pusch (2014) Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 4, 67-72
What industrial purposes is kaolin used for as a raw material?
Main areas of kaolin application: paper production – as filler and coating (45%); ceramic and refractory material production (31%); glass fiber production (6%); cement production (6%); rubber and plastic production (5%); paint (3%); and other uses, such as the cosmetics industry (3-4%)
The main goal of the industrial preparation of kaolin is to reduce (via heat treatment, enrichment) the natural iron content (iron oxides) and other components (e.g., aluminum, water) of the clay mineral, as well as to modify its physical properties.
How is kaolin processed and prepared?
Based on our market research, for the majority of clay minerals released for the cosmetics industry, the processing flow does not differ from the processing flows serving heavy industrial purposes.
COMMON PROCESSING METHODS:
Chemical bleaching and cleaning processes: Most processed kaolin may contain large quantities of chemical residues from bleaching and cleaning processes (e.g., organic acids, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), as the goal of processing is to reduce iron content and subsequently restore pH.
Heat treatment: The goal of firing or calcining is to reduce certain components of kaolin (iron oxide, aluminum, water), which causes the kaolin to whiten and changes some of its natural physical properties. During heat treatment, kaolin also loses its magnet-like cleansing effect, which is the main function of kaolin when used for cosmetic purposes.
Additives: During the processing flow, dispersing agents are often added to kaolin for easier solubility and handling.
Ionization: During the processing flow, ionization (gamma irradiation) sterilization methods are often used to ensure microbiological purity. The potential harmful effects of gamma radiation are currently a debated topic among healthcare professionals.
Result: Snow-white, low-iron content, heat-treated, chemically pure kaolin powder enriched with various additives.
Is it necessary to bleach and clean kaolin and change its natural physical properties for cosmetic use?
For cosmetic use, the iron oxide content of kaolin does not negatively affect the quality of the kaolin. Iron oxides are not toxic or irritating to the skin; they can be used as safe coloring agents. Currently, there is no research that has proven them to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Iron oxides (Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council – List of Coloring Agents Allowed in Cosmetic Products) are in most cases added to cosmetic products as additives or colorants.
Under high heat, kaolin loses its crystalline structure (e.g., water leaves the crystal structure of the kaolin), thus the particles collapse, and the kaolin becomes amorphous in structure. Based on research, the crystalline form has better adsorption capability than the amorphous form. Heat treatment degrades the natural cleansing effect of kaolin, which attracts impurities like a magnet (e.g., toxic heavy metals, certain bacteria, and viruses).
The hydrochloric and sulfuric acid used during the production of kaolin, which are COSMOS-approved, have been shown by research to reduce the natural K, Mg, Fe, Na, and Ca content of kaolin, degrading the skin-balance-improving effect of kaolin.
THE MASKAOLIN BY CLAYNATURE NATURAL AND TRADITIONAL PROCESSING METHOD WAS DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY TO MEET THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY.
How is Maskaolin different? Why is its processing method natural and traditional?
100% PURE CLAY (SELECTED KAOLIN): Maskaolin is made from naturally occurring, 100% pure, hand-selected clay that was formed 150-200 million years ago. It is free from additives and colorants.
NATURAL COLOR: Maskaolin is naturally off-white (light grayish-beige) in color. The selected kaolin is naturally light-colored and has a low content of coloring minerals (e.g., iron oxide).
MICROBIOLOGICALLY SAFE: Production takes place in a carefully cleaned environment (air disinfection is provided by an ozone disinfection system), according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which ensures the microbiological purity of the raw material.
MECHANICAL PROCESSING: Production is carried out with innovative dry grinding equipment, 100% chemical-free. We do not perform ionization (gamma radiation) or high-temperature heat treatment (calcination) on Maskaolin products, as this destroys the natural cleansing and exfoliating effect of the clay.
WE BELIEVE IN A NATURAL WAY OF LIFE.
Through laboratory tests, we have examined why the clay from Felsőpetény is special: The mineral deposits for Maskaolin products are located in the northern part of Hungary (Felsőpetény), where currently only high-quality kaolin is being extracted.
1. The mine has not been agricultural land for the past 100 years, so there are no chemical residues in the soil.
2. In recent decades, it has not been exposed to extreme weather conditions (e.g., acid rain) that would have a negative impact on the purity of the clay.
3. The clay beds are of outstanding quality; they are not heavily contaminated with iron-containing minerals or plant-based materials, so their whiteness is natural.
4. Thanks to its chemical and physical parameters, it is suitable for the production of cosmetic ingredients.
MASKAOLIN BASIC
White clay powder
Regular use of Maskaolin is beneficial not only for facial cleansing but also for its nourishing effects. Besides gently cleansing the skin, it replenishes it with valuable minerals. What are these minerals? Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium.
These minerals are responsible for the skin's balance. Furthermore, the adsorption and firming properties of the clay help make facial pores less visible and result in smoother, clearer skin.
The clay effectively helps remove impurities accumulated on the skin's surface, thereby assisting in the prevention of new blackheads.