Clay is an ancient resource that has been used for skincare for thousands of years and enhances the benefits of bar soap. There are a variety of clays with multiple skincare benefits and different colors, too. Each type of clay contains minerals, each contains its own unique mineral composition and concentration, making clay easy to customize to your skin type.
“Although they’re sometimes used interchangeably in the beauty industry, clay and mud masks are kind of but not really the same thing. Clay is a more defined term, containing certain minerals and particle sizes. Mud has a more all-encompassing definition: it can contain soil, silt, and clay, and it may or may not contain minerals” (1)
Types of clay:
“Bentonite clay is a highly absorbent clay that’s perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types. Its powerful absorption properties help to draw out impurities and excess oil, unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. It’s also effective in reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin.
French green clay, also known as sea clay, is suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination skin types. It contains a high concentration of minerals and is rich in antioxidants, making it effective in purifying and detoxifying the skin. It also has a toning effect on the skin, helping to improve texture and minimize the appearance of pores.
Kaolin clay, on the other hand, is a gentle clay that’s perfect for sensitive and dry skin types. It’s rich in minerals and has a soft, fine texture, making it ideal for gently exfoliating the skin without causing any irritation. It also helps to soothe and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.” (2)
“Brazilian clays are a type of kaolin clay, and come in a wide variety of vibrant hues. They’re naturally colored and do not contain any dyes or pigments. The various shades are achieved by variations in the minerals found in the soil in the different regions of Brazil. Natural Brazilian, Purple, Yellow, Pink, and Dark Red. Brazilian clays have an “average” amount of absorption, making them a suitable additive for a wide variety of skin types.
Rose clay is considered a type of kaolin (kaolinite) clay. It has a fine texture like kaolin, and is suitable for dry skin. The clay is a light to medium pink shade, which comes from a naturally occurring iron oxide. In some projects, it can take on a deep red color or an orange hue. Rose clay makes a fantastic soap additive for both color and gentle oil absorbing properties.” (3)
Benefits of clay:
1. Reduces Inflammation: Clay has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritated skin. It can reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation caused by acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
2. Unclogs Pores: Clay has a unique ability to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for unclogging pores. It can help to prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne.
3. Improves Skin Texture: Clay can help to improve the texture of the skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell regeneration. It can leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
4. Detoxifies the Skin: Clay has detoxifying properties that help to remove toxins and impurities from the skin. It can help to purify the skin and leave it looking and feeling healthier.
5. Balances the Skin: Clay can help to balance the skin’s pH levels, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It can help to regulate oil production and prevent dryness or excessive oiliness. (4)
6. Promotes Collagen production. (5)
There are multiple ways to use clay for skincare, and it brings a wide range of benefits. But there are two precautions to consider when using clay. It can cause irritation and redness and can lead to dry skin. If your skin reacts adversely when using clay, give your skin some time to calm down, ensure you have washed all the clay off your face, and moisturize your skin with water and balms.
Ways to use clay in skincare:
Some ways to use clay are deodorant, dry shampoo, clay scrubs, blemish spot treatment, clay bath bombs, & more. Here are a few ways to start using clay in your skincare routine.
Face Mask: We recommend a 1:3 ratio of clay to liquid. If you’re working with smaller batches, 1 teaspoon of clay in 1 tablespoon of water is a good place to start. Then, add 1 dispersed teaspoon at a time until you get the consistency you’re happy with. You can also use oil, yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, hydrosol, tea, milk, or egg as the liquid.
Benefits of possible liquids to pair with clay for a mask:
Jojoba oil – is very similar to your skin’s sebum and thus won’t disrupt your skin’s barrier.
Tallow – is a natural source of retinol (preformed vitamin A), Vitamin D, and Vitamin E.
Vitamin E oil – supports healing and is packed with antioxidants.
Yogurt and Milk – are rich in lactic acid, a natural exfoliator.
Honey – contains vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C) and has antimicrobial properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar – balances skins pH, chemically exfoliates, and reduces hyperpigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which is similar to alpha-hydroxy acid.
Witch Hazel – is an astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so it can effectively be used as a cleanser.
Egg Yolks – contain B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin and folate, which play crucial roles in promoting skin cell regeneration and repair. These nutrients nourish the skin from within, providing deep hydration and promoting a glowing complexion.
Egg Whites – are rich in proteins and an enzyme known as lysozyme, which has antimicrobial effects.
Tea – is rich in a variety of vitamins depending on the type of tea you use. Chamomile reduces redness, green tea is high in antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps protect against skin damage, reduce inflammation, and fight acne.
Hydrosol – is moisturizing and antimicrobial.
Our favorite is a Tea Clay Face Mask. Steep ½ Tablespoon of ‘Be Well’ tea, found on our website, in ¼ cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain, then mix your mask with the ratios listed at the beginning of this section. Apply your mask to the desired area, allow it to dry for 10-20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse off with water.
Remember when using clay, never use anything metal, as clay is mineral rich and may react with the metal, thus reducing the clay’s benefits. Also, do not leave a clay mask on the skin for more than 20 minutes due to the drying qualities.
Detox Bath: 1 cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of bentonite clay, and 2 cups of epsom salts. Fill the bathtub with warm water, pour the detox bath mix listed above in the bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Follow the bath with rinsing yourself off and rinsing out your tub. If you are preparing a detox bath for a child, reduce the measurements by half.
Soap is another great way to use clay. You don’t have to try and make soap, instead, we have mastered the art of soap making at Dandelion Naturals. We use 4 different types of clay in many of our soaps!
Looking for a bar soap containing Rose Kaolin Clay, try our blush bar soap. (linked)
Want to try Kaolin Clay, in the fun color of Dark Red Brazilian Clay, try our Voyager bar soap. (linked)
French Green Clay is used in three of our soap bars, which are: Rosemary Mint bar soap, Spearmint Lime bar soap, & The Mountaineer bar soap. (linked)
Brazilian Clay can be found in our Smells Like Sunshine bar soap, in the color yellow. (linked) Veviter bar soap , along with kaolin clay. And Purple Brazilian Clay can be found in our Woodstock bar soap. (linked)
Finally, Bentonite Clay can be found in each of our Tallow Shave Bar Soaps which come in the 5 scents of: Be Happy, Citrus Grove, Mountain Air, Rosemary Mint, & Unscented. (linked)
Conclusion:
Clay is a versatile source of minerals, and with some trial, can be a great addition to any skincare routine. We are proud to offer a variety of soaps that contain clay and add to the amazing benefits of soap made with nourishing fats. Our favorite clay is the French Green Clay, for its versatility in skincare and pretty color.
Resources:
https://reviews.chicagotribune.com/beauty-and-personal-care/masks/best-clay-masks?cid=650117179&acid=10&aid=1251245573942872&eid=&tid=kwd-78203223003115:loc-4124&ul=106879&mt=p&n=s&d=c&dm=&dt=&sn=&adid=&k=clay%20masks&p=&pc=&ap=&chtrb=1&msclkid=d1ea0706eb7617a64dbd6f7b55550818 (1)
https://helloglow.co/right-clay-for-your-skin-type/ (2)
https://soapqueen.com/magicpod/clay-right-skin/ (3)
https://www.nerdskincare.com/clay/ (4)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22340693/ (5)
