Ingredients · 1 min read
Why Is There Clay in Some Detergents?
Clay in your laundry? It sounds like the opposite of clean. But it's a real ingredient, and it has a real job.
Quick answer: kaolin is a fine natural clay. In detergents it can act as a filler, a carrier or a texture helper, especially in dry formats.† Just 7 leaves it out to keep the list to what cleans.
What kaolin does
- Adds bulk so a product holds its shape.
- Carries other ingredients evenly.
- Helps texture in sheets and powders.†
It's the supporting actor. Useful, rarely the star.
Why brands use it
It's cheap, widely available and works well in dry formulas. Those are fair reasons.
Why we skip it
We asked one question about every ingredient: does it help clean? Kaolin's job is structure, so it didn't make our seven (read it).
Filler vs functional
| Role | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cleans | Surfactants like glucosides |
| Softens water | Sodium citrate, sodium carbonate |
| Holds it together | Pullulan film, glycerin |
| Bulk | Clays, some salts |
FAQ
What is kaolin? A fine, soft natural clay.†
Why is clay in laundry sheets? It can add bulk and help texture.
Is kaolin bad for clothes? It's widely used. We just didn't need it.
Does Just 7 have clay? No.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
Pre-order now. Orders ship Jan 11th. 7% of every sale goes to animal sanctuaries and nonprofits.†
Keep reading
What's in Laundry Detergent Sheets? A Plain-English Ingredient Guide
Pillar page: every common ingredient by job, and which ones we skip
Decyl Glucoside in Laundry Detergent: What It Is and Why We Use It
The sugar-based cleaner explained
Lauryl Glucoside vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Same Name, Different Cleaner
Clears up the name confusion