Clay in Skin Care?
Three popular cosmetic clays that are used in skin care are kaolin clay (white clay), French green clay and bentonite clay. These clays are not only used as facial masks in skin care, they are also used in dry shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and facial or body powders.
Cosmetic clays come straight from the earth. The three discussed below are all beneficial for the skin as they are all natural and can absorb impurities which can improve breakouts. One thing to remember when working with clays is that they are made up of minerals and ions. As a result, it is best to use a glass or wooden bowl (instead of metal) when mixing your ingredients. A metal bowl can cause the clay to react and lose some of its beneficial properties.
What are the differences between these clays?
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay, also referred to as China clay, is a mild, light-colored clay that is light in consistency. In fact, the name “Kaolin” originates from “Kaoling,” a hill in China, where this clay was believed to have been first obtained. In China, this clay is mostly used for making porcelain! Kaolin clay is usually white in color, although it may also come in shades of pink and green. The color usually depends on the minerals present in the clay. Generally, the whiter the clay, the higher the quality. This fine, soft clay gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin without removing too much oil, making it easy on sensitive skin and a favorite among professionals.
French Green Clay
First discovered in France (hence the name), French green clay is perfect for oily skin because it targets blackheads and blemishes. It gets its beautiful rich green color from natural bio-organic material such as decomposed plant matter, making it nutrient dense and high in essential minerals such as copper and magnesium. Loved by those with oily skin, as facial masks containing French clay are highly effective.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay was formed from volcanic ash sediment and contains high amounts of silica. Because of its negatively-charged ions, it has strong absorption power which can pull impurities from the pores. This clay was historically used by Native Americans for purification and healing. This versatile clay is also used in toothpaste, wound care, bug bites and deodorant. When mixed with water it has an almost gel-like consistency because of its high absorption abilities. In skin care, it is highly effective at grabbing onto excess oil on the skin and cleaning out the pores.
Use It In Your Skin Care
At Green Eyed Grace, we like to utilize all three clays. You will find them in our French Clay Beauty Bar, Boosters and Powder Facial Masks. You can also find these ingredients in our DIY recipes in the Beyond Beauty book available on Amazon. If you are not already using clay in your skin care, give it a try and decide which clay works best with your skin type.
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