There are many types of cosmetic clays that are widely used as ingredients in soap, creams, lotions and face masks. Recognized for its many beauty and health beneficial properties, different cosmetic clays are mixed and combined with each other as well as other organic material to enhance its beneficial effects. Their natural colour derived from minerals of the earth also makes them an interesting beauty product as well as safe colouring agents to lotions, bath salts, and creams.

Popular clay masks include French Green and Bentonite, but there are several clays suitable for different skin types. For example, Kaolin clays (white, yellow, and pink) are recommended for sensitive to normal skin. They also get rid of redness and restore moisture to dry, flaky skin. Fuller’s Earth Clay, Red Kaolin, French Green or Illite, Bentonite (or Red Montmorillonite and Blue Montmorillonite) have excellent oil-drawing properties and are thus recommended for people with oily skin. Some clay such as Rhassoul, Dead Sea, and Illite clays, are gentle enough for sensitive skin and are effective for all skin types.

The following are the most common types of clay sold for use as clay masks:

French Green Clay – derived from French earth, Illite or Sea clays contains numerous trace minerals (e.g. manganese, cobalt, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium) as well as kelp and microscopic alga (plant materials) that impart its green colour. French Green is known to be completely free of contaminants, is sun-dried, and unscented. Used as facial mask, it greatly absorbs impurities and toxins from the skin, sloughs off dead cells, improves circulation, and tightens pores. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties makes it ideal for relieving muscle aches, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Bentonite – or Montmorillonite is derived from volcanic ash and has been recognized by ancient tribes such as the Native Americans, for its healing properties. Bentonite is said to contain almost a hundred trace minerals, including iron, aluminium, silica, and calcium. Compared to French Green, Bentonite’s high negative ionic charge imparts superior absorptive capacity, useful in binding toxic substances and thus detoxifying both the skin and body. Powdered Bentonite is mixed with about 8 ounces or one glass of distilled water and taken in an empty stomach to clean the digestive tract. As cosmetic agent, it is an excellent cleanser and exfoliant, revealing clean, healthy skin.

Rhassoul – also known as Red Clay, Ghassoul Clay, or Oxide Clay, Rhassoul has been mined from Eastern Morocco’s Atlas Mountain since ancient times, used by Roman and Egyptian nobility for their beauty fix. Like many cosmetic clays, Rhassoul is rich in trace minerals (e.g. calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, silica) and is known to have astringent and absorptive properties. Rhassoul clay masks can improve skin texture and appearance by reducing dryness and flakiness while enhancing the skin’s tone and firmness. It also exfoliates and absorbs excess oil which may reduce the incidence of acne.

White Kaolin – or White Cosmetic Clay, China Clay, or Ceramic Clay is found in many beauty products, including soaps, deodorants, facial scrubs, masks, powders, skin care products, and toiletries. White Kaolin is the mildest form of cosmetic clay that can absorb toxins but does not absorb oil, so it is recommended for people with dry skin. It also has a gentle disinfecting property that helps heal blemishes.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Clay Masks