Green clay

Product Information

CosmySupplies supplies Green Kaolin Cosmetic Grade, trade name Tersil G by Terramater Argilas Especiais Brasileiras, Brazil (INCI: Kaolin, CAS 1332-58-7) in India. A micronized natural green clay from the limestone region of Paraná, Brazil. ECOCERT certified natural and organic. COSMOS ORGANIC approved. Vegan, Halal, and Kosher. Clinically tested: 29.33% sebum reduction 2 hours after a 20-minute face mask application (Terramater sebumetry study). Oil absorption 87.30%. Cation exchange capacity 67 to 73 eq/g. Asbestos-free, confirmed by EU laboratory transmission electron microscopy. Use level 3 to 10% in skin care, 20 to 60% in face and body masks. COA available on request. Shipped from Bengaluru across India. Available at cosmysupplies.com.

INCI: Kaolin | CAS: 1332-58-7 | EINECS: 310-194-1 | COSING REF: 34795 | CI: 77004

Trade name: Tersil G | Supplier: Terramater Argilas Especiais Brasileiras, Brazil

Form: Fine light green powder | Particle size (median): 30.00 micrometres | Colour: Light Green

Chemical composition: SiO2 57.00 to 73.00% | Al2O3 13.00 to 23.00% | Fe2O3 2.50 to 10.00% | TiO2 0.50 to 1.20%

Zeta potential (cosmetic pH range): negative 28.5 to negative 34.15 mV

Oil absorption: 87.30% | Water absorption: 60.10% | CEC: 67 to 73 eq/g | Surface area: 35 to 40 m2/g

Clinical data: 29.33% sebum reduction 2 hours post-application 

Functions (EU CosIng): Absorbent, Anticaking, Opacifying, Slip Modifier, Viscosity Controlling

Certifications: ECOCERT Natural and Organic | COSMOS ORGANIC | Vegan | Halal | Kosher | Asbestos-free

Shelf life: 48 months | pH stability: 3.00 to 12.00 | Thermal stability: up to 95 degrees Celsius

Benefits

Clinically proven:

The Terramater TDS includes an in vivo sebumetry clinical study conducted on volunteers of both sexes aged 18 to 50. The study methodology: a mask prepared with 25g of Tersil G and 15mL of purified water was applied to one area of the face while a control area was maintained. The mask was left for 20 minutes. Sebumetry measurements (photometric measurement of skin oiliness) were taken at three time points: before application (T0), immediately after removing the product (T20), and 2 hours after application (T2). Results: 13.35% reduction in sebum index at T20. 29.33% reduction at T2. The sustained reduction 2 hours after removal is the more commercially significant data point. It demonstrates that the sebum control effect of Tersil G persists beyond the immediate post-mask period, which is the core cosmetic claim available for oily skin formulations using this clay. Use qualifier: formulated with Tersil G, shown to support 29.33% sebum reduction 2 hours after a 20-minute mask application.

COSMOS ORGANIC approved

Tersil G carries the same COSMOS ORGANIC certification as Tersil CB. Both are certified ECOCERT Natural and Organic and approved for use in COSMOS-certified cosmetic formulations. The decontamination process used by Terramater — controlled dry heat pulses without gamma radiation, chemical agents, or waste — is approved by both ECOCERT France and COSMOS specifically. For a brand building a COSMOS-certified oily skin care range, Tersil G can anchor the oil-control and mattifying claims within a certified natural formulation. No other green clay currently available at indie scale in India carries this certification combination. Tersil G is the natural, certified choice for green clay in a COSMOS oily skin formulation.

High iron oxide content:

Tersil G contains Fe2O3 (iron oxide) at 2.50 to 10.00% of its mineral composition, significantly more than standard white kaolin. The elevated iron oxide content is the primary source of the green pigmentation and contributes to the clay's enhanced adsorption and ion exchange capacity. Iron oxide in clay minerals is associated with increased surface charge density and a more reactive mineral surface. The cation exchange capacity of Tersil G (67 to 73 eq/g) is slightly higher than Tersil CB (58 to 64 eq/g), consistent with the higher iron oxide content. This mineralogical difference supports the primary cosmetic application distinction between Tersil CB (hair care, scalp) and Tersil G (oily skin face care): Tersil G's mineral profile is specifically suited to surface sebum adsorption and oil control in skin care formats.

Rheology modifier: Tersil G increases thixotropy in gel formulations. The TDS provides rotational viscometer data showing that gels containing Tersil G at 1% and 4% have significantly higher thixotropy than the standard gel without clay. Thixotropy makes a formulation feel fluid under shear (application to skin) but structured at rest (in the jar or tube). This property directly improves the application experience of face masks, skin care gels, and clay-containing moisturisers. At 1 to 5% in a gel or emulsion, Tersil G reduces the oily sensory typically associated with oil-containing skin care products, making them feel lighter and less greasy on application without reducing the oil content. This sensory modification function is particularly valuable in oily skin formulations where the formulator wants to include emollient actives without the heavy feel.

Natural light green colorant for skin care and cosmetic formulations

Tersil G produces a natural, muted light green tint in formulations at low use concentrations. The colour arises entirely from the mineral composition — predominantly elevated iron oxide alongside trace elements — with no synthetic colorants. For a brand building a botanical or mineral-themed skin care range where a natural green tint is desired, Tersil G provides both functional clay performance and natural colour in a single ingredient. At 3 to 5% in an emulsion or gel, it produces a subtle green tint. At 10% and above, the green colour is more visible. In a face mask at 20 to 30%, it produces the characteristic medium green clay mask colour associated with oily skin treatment products in the natural beauty category.

Anti-pollution and surface adsorption through phyllosilicate structure

Tersil G has a phyllosilicate structure that absorbs and adsorbs both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances simultaneously. This dual absorption mechanism enables it to bind excess sebum (lipophilic), environmental pollutants (lipophilic and amphiphilic), sweat residues (hydrophilic), and styling product wax build-up from the skin surface during mask application. The negative zeta potential (negative 28.5 to negative 34.15 mV in the cosmetic pH range) supports skin barrier homeostasis through the same mechanism documented in the Tersil CB TDS (Denda, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2002). The combined surface adsorption and negative electric field mechanism make Tersil G an effective mineral active for oily skin surface cleansing beyond what oil absorption alone would achieve.

Asbestos-free confirmed by EU laboratory transmission electron microscopy

All Terramater clays, including Tersil G, were evaluated in an EU laboratory using Transmission Electron Microscopy per NF X 43-050 (January 1996) and French Decree of 6 March 2003. No asbestos fibres were detected. This confirmation is the same method applied to Tersil CB and applies across the entire Terramater clay range. For any brand building products for export or for consumers who are aware of the asbestos concern with some natural clays, this EU-method asbestos-free confirmation eliminates a significant liability concern.

Applications and Usage Rates

For oily skin and sebum control face masks

Use at 20 to 50% in wash-off face masks targeting oily skin, excess sebum, and clogged pores. The sebumetry clinical study used 25g Tersil G with 15mL water (approximately 62.5% clay by weight in the final mask mixture). At 20 to 30% in a prepared mask base, Tersil G provides strong sebum adsorption, light to moderate tightening on application, and a cooling sensation from the clay moisture. At 40 to 50%, the tightening effect is stronger and the mask dries more rapidly. 

For skin care 

Use at 3 to 10% in O/W moisturisers and serums for oily skin. At 3 to 5%, Tersil G reduces the oily sensory of the emulsion, improves application feel, and contributes a subtle matte finish after drying. At 6 to 10%, the mattifying effect is stronger and suitable as the primary oil-control active in a mattifying moisturiser or primer. In W/O formulations, use at 2 to 6%. Tersil G improves emulsion stability through its thixotropy contribution and its effect on the continuous phase viscosity.

For sensory modification in gels and serums

Use at 1 to 5% in aqueous gels and serum-type formulations as a rheology modifier and sensory improver. At 1%, Tersil G increases thixotropy measurably (TDS Figure 3 rotational viscometer data). At 3 to 5%, the thixotropy increase is substantial, producing a gel that flows easily on application but feels structured at rest. The green tint at these concentrations is very subtle, making Tersil G suitable for formulators who want the functional clay benefits without significant colour impact on the finished product.

For scalp treatments and hair care

Use at 2 to 5% in scalp masks, scalp scrubs, and pre-shampoo oily scalp treatments. Tersil G addresses the same sebum-excess problem on the scalp that it addresses on facial skin. The sebumetry data demonstrating 29.33% sebum reduction is particularly relevant for oily scalp formulations. For brands building a full oily skin and oily scalp range, Tersil G can anchor both the face mask and the scalp treatment, using the same clinical data point across both products.

For cleansers, soaps, and body care

Use at 3 to 10% in liquid cleansers and shower gels, 5 to 15% in bar soaps, 2 to 10% in body shower gels. In cleansing formats, Tersil G provides surface oil adsorption during cleansing contact time, a mild physical exfoliation effect from the 30-micrometre particle size, and a natural green colour that differentiates oily skin cleansers visually. The COSMOS ORGANIC certification makes it compatible with certified natural cleanser formulations.

How to Use

Addition method for rinse-off products

Disperse Tersil G in the water phase with agitation before adding other ingredients. Add slowly with stirring or use a high-shear mixer for large batches. For liquid cleansers, an anti-settling agent such as Xanthan Gum at 0.3 to 0.5% prevents clay sedimentation during shelf life. No pre-melting required. Compatible with hot manufacturing processes up to 95 degrees Celsius and cold process manufacturing.

Addition method for masks and skin care

For face masks, mix Tersil G powder directly with water or a prepared aqueous base with vigorous stirring or blending. No special processing is required. For O/W emulsions, disperse in the water phase before combining with the oil phase. The clay is thermally stable at standard cosmetic manufacturing temperatures.

Sensory note: 

Tersil G has a drying effect that persists even after hours of removal from the skin. This is a function of the high CEC (ion exchange capacity) and oil absorption. Formulators building oily skin masks should be aware that at high concentrations (above 40%), the drying effect on non-oily skin areas may be uncomfortable for dry or normal skin type users. For masks targeting mixed skin types, consider limiting Tersil G to 20 to 30% and combining with a humectant such as glycerin at 3 to 5%.

Batch variation

As a natural mineral raw material, Tersil G may show colour and composition variation between batches. The green intensity and exact mineral percentages may vary within the ranges stated in the TDS. Evaluate each batch on receipt if finished product colour consistency is a quality requirement.

Claims You Can Make

For your label:

ECOCERT Certified | COSMOS ORGANIC Approved | 100% Natural Green Clay | Brazilian Mineral Clay | Vegan | Halal | Kosher | Asbestos-Free | Sebum Control | Mattifying | Oil-Absorbing | Anti-Pollution | Natural Green Colorant

Clinically supported claims:

29.33% Sebum Reduction: use as: formulated with Tersil G, shown to support 29.33% sebum reduction 2 hours after a 20-minute mask application.

Persistent sebum control: use as: the sebum-control effect of Tersil G was maintained 2 hours after mask removal in the clinical study.

For formulation support or sample requests, contact the CosmySupplies team.

WhatsApp | Email: info@cosmysupplies.com

Technical Information

Pairs Well With

Glycerin

Humectant to offset the drying effect of high-concentration Tersil G in face masks and skin care. At 3 to 5% alongside Tersil G in an oily skin mask, glycerin prevents over-drying on normal and combination skin areas while maintaining the clay's sebum control effect on oily zones.

Niacinamide

Skin conditioning active for oily skin care. Niacinamide at 4 to 10% in an emulsion or serum alongside Tersil G at 3 to 8% builds a comprehensive oily skin care formula: the clay controls surface sebum and improves skin sensory; niacinamide addresses pore appearance and skin texture.

Xanthan Gum

Suspension thickener in liquid face masks and oily skin cleansers. At 0.3 to 0.5%, prevents Tersil G from settling in liquid formats during shelf life.

Black Kaolin (Tersil CB)

The two Terramater clays can be combined in a multi-clay mask formulation. Tersil G provides sebum control and green colour; Tersil CB provides its clinical anti-dandruff and thermal protection profile and a black tint. A 50:50 blend in a mask produces a grey-green colour. Use each at 10 to 20% for a dual-clay effect.

Bamboo Activated Charcoal

Natural black active to combine with Tersil G for a deep-cleansing mask with both clay adsorption and charcoal adsorption. Tersil G at 15 to 20% alongside Bamboo Activated Charcoal at 3 to 5% in a wash-off mask builds a multi-active oily skin mask with two natural mineral actives.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

COSMOS-permitted conditioning polymer. For brands building a certified natural oily scalp treatment shampoo, Tersil G at 3 to 5% alongside GHTC at 0.3% creates a COSMOS-compatible scalp care system with both sebum control and conditioning in a single formula.

Important Information

Tersil G is a natural mineral raw material. As a raw material of natural origin, there may be variations in colour and composition between batches. The green intensity and exact mineral percentages may vary within the ranges stated in the TDS.

Tersil G contains trace heavy metals as naturally occurring mineral impurities. All values are within specification limits tested by Terramater. Arsenic less than 4 ppm, cadmium less than 0.50 ppm, lead less than 20 ppm, mercury less than 0.10 ppm . Formulators should calculate the finished product contribution of heavy metals at their intended use concentration. Request the batch COA for actual batch lead value before high-concentration face mask formulation above 20%.

Tersil G has a drying effect that persists after mask removal. When formulating for normal or combination skin types, include a humectant such as glycerin at 3 to 5% to offset the drying effect at face mask concentrations above 20%.

Tersil G is asbestos-free, confirmed by EU laboratory transmission electron microscopy testing (NF X 43-050, 1996). No asbestos fibres detected.

Clinical safety: Tersil G has undergone clinical safety trials. No potential for primary dermal irritation, accumulated dermal irritation, or dermal sensitisation was found.

COA is available on request. No download link. Contact us via WhatsApp or email.