Fuller Earth

Fullers earth is a clay-like substance thats mostly composed of aluminum magnesium silicate. This name comes from its use to remove dirt and oil from wool. A wool refinery worker called a “fuller” would apply it to the wool. Fullers earth is any clay material that has the capability to decolorize oil or other liquids without the use of harsh chemical treatment Fullers earth typically consists of palygorskite (attapulgite) or bentonite Its also called multani mitti, or “mud from Multan,” which comes from the history of mineral-rich clay in that city in Pakistan. Fullers earth can be found in skin care products, such as facial clays and masks used to fight wrinkles and treat acne. It’s also used in cosmetics to bind other ingredients, to keep other powders from caking together, to provide gentle exfoliating properties, or to otherwise stabilize products. Modern uses of fullers earth include absorbents for oil, grease, and animal waste (cat litter) and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers. Minor uses include filtering, clarifying, and decolorizing; active and inactive ingredient in beauty products; and as a filler in paint, plaster, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. It also has a number of uses in the film industry and on stage.