Fuller's Earth Powder (Magnesium aluminum silicate)
Fuller’s Earth Powder for Sale
Fuller's Earth is a clay mined from the earth's crust that typically contains a complex of minerals, including quartz, silica, iron, calcite and dolomite.
Fuller’s earth, also known as fuller’s clay, is chemically referred to as magnesium aluminum silicate. As the latter suggests, the material consists of a variety of minerals and salts. Because it is highly absorbent, it is used to make facial masks and body packs to draw out impurities. It is also an ingredient in cat litter and automotive products formulated to soak up oil spills.
The name “fuller” is not a surname but an antiquated term for workers who once used the powder to absorb excess oil (lanolin) while handling sheep’s wool. These workers were called "fullers" and that's where the clay gets its name.
At one time, this material was used in apothecaries in compounding pills. Because this material is highly absorbent, it is used to spot "dry clean" fabrics and is an ingredient in dry shampoos. Fuller's earth is also combined with other botanicals to make herbal body powders and facial masks.
Origin: United States
Scientific Name: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Storage Tips: Store in a sealed container away from light, heat and humidity.
Appearance: Beige-brown powder
Cosmetic Uses: Use to make body powders, dry shampoos facial masks and herbal body packs.
Industrial Uses: Used in the spa and cosmetic industries. It is also a component of some cat litters. In the motion picture industry fuller's earth was once used as "dusting" to give rooms a more authentic Old West, or even battlefield appearance. It is also used heavily by the special effects and make-up departments as a dirt substitute.
Flavor Profile and Safety: NOT FOR CULINARY USE.