E559 Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) is a chemical compound, an aluminium-based alloy, found in road dust, obtained from natural sources and subsequently purified.
It appears in the form of a white insoluble powder at a pH above 13.
What it is used for and where
Food
Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E559 with an anti-caking agent function.
Safety
It should be considered that the risk of cumulative intake of aluminium, which can pose a danger to human health, cannot be excluded as this ingredient can be found in widely consumed food products (1).
Cosmetics
E' un ingrediente soggetto a restrizioni IV/119 come Voce pertinente negli allegati del regolamento europeo sui cosmetici n. 1223/2009.
Abrasive agent. It contains abrasive particles to remove stains or biofilm that accumulate on the stratum corneum or teeth. Baking soda, kieselguhr, silica and many others have abrasive properties. Peeling or exfoliating products used in dermatology or cosmetic applications contain abrasive agents in the form of synthetic microspheres, however these microspheres or abrasive particles are not biodegradable and create pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Absorbent. Absorbs substances dispersed or dissolved in aqueous solutions, water/oil, oil/water.
Anticaking agent. This compound facilitates free flow and prevents aggregation or clumping of substances in a formulation by reducing the tendency of certain particles to stick together.
Bulking agent. It regulates the water content, dilutes other solids, can increase the volume of a product for better flow, acts as a buffer against organic acids, helps to keep the pH of the mixture within a certain level.
Colorant. This ingredient has the function of colouring the solution in which it is inserted in a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent manner, either alone or in the presence of the complementary components added for colouring.
Opacifying agent. It is useful into formulations that may be translucent or transparent to make them opaque and less permeable to light.
Other uses
- glass industry
- insect repellent
- Molecular Formula Al2H4O9Si2
- Molecular Weight 258.16
- CAS 1332-58-7 (Kaolin) 1327-36-2 (Aluminum silicate)
- UNII 24H4NWX5CO
- EC Number 310-194-1 (Kaolin) 215-475-1 (Aluminum silicate)
References_____________________________________________________________________
(1) Wong, W.W., Chung, S.W., Kwong, K.P., Yin Ho, Y. and Xiao, Y., 2010. Dietary exposure to aluminium of the Hong Kong population. Food Additives and Contaminants, 27(4), pp.457-463.
Bratakos, S.M., Lazou, A.E., Bratakos, M.S. and Lazos, E.S., 2012. Aluminium in food and daily dietary intake estimate in Greece. Food Additives and Contaminants: Part B, 5(1), pp.33-44.
E559 
