Clay is a hidden gem in the world of skincare. It is also a Soap Makers dream as it adds creamy texture to soap bars and helps hold in the scents from essential oils. Clay is a relatively affordable additive and is well tolerated by many different skin types. Today we will breakdown the various types of clay and how they can be beneficial to your skincare routine.

**We do not claim any cure for any skin condition. The following is research gathered from various sources and provided to you in an easy-to-understand quick read.

Clay

Generally, clay provides several benefits to our skin. It is a gentle exfoliant, absorbs oil.  and contains dozens of minerals. This combination helps maintain skins natural PH all while exfoliating. Gentle exfoliating can improve skins texture and appearance by removing dead skin cells, leaving you with brighter and healthier looking skin.

Some types of Clays (specifically bentonites) have research backing claims that they can reduce acne, unclog pores and treat dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. Some of these clays can be quite drying so it is important to educate yourself on which form of clay is best for your skin type.

Typically, you will see clay ranging in colors from nearly white, variations of green and browns and then dark brown to a deep brick red to a light pink. The most commonly used types of clays are Kaolin, Bentonite, French Green, Fuller Earth, Rassoul, Moroccan Red.

Kaolin

Kaolin clay has been used historically to treat skin infections as it is a natural antibacterial. Kaolin can come in many colors from white to red.

White is the gentlest and therefore has the least amount of exfoliation. This type of clay is best for dry and/or sensitive skin types.

Yellow is slightly more absorbent than white and is a slightly stronger exfoliant. Yellow Kaolin clay is considered generally safe, even for sensitive skin.

Red Kaolin clay contains the strongest exfoliant and absorbent properties. Red clay is great for oily to normal skin.

Lastly you may find Pink Kaolin clays. This is simply a mixture of red and white. Pink clay provides the benefits from both types of clay and is generally safe for all skin types.

Kaolin clay is formed when other aluminous minerals (especially feldspars) decompose. The color of Kaolin clay is affected by exposure to iron oxide which can cause the color to range from yellow to rust colored.  Kaolin is also known as “China Clay” and is said to be whiter and cleaner than other clays because it is mined near where it was weathered and altered. Kaolin ore is often mixed with other rocks and impurities, so it needs to be processed using wet and dry processing methods. Kaolin clay is a layered silicate material that is odorless and insoluble in water but develops and earthy scent and darken when it encounters water. May also contain muscovite, quartz, feldspar, or anatase.

Bentonite

Bentonite clay is most known for its use in pottery. Even today, bentonite is used in pottery more commonly than any other types of clay. Bentonite was derived from volcanic ash and where it quickly became the trending hair and skin care product. Bentonite is highly absorbent and can draw out impurities and unnecessary oils from skin and hair. This form of clay is fantastic for oil and acne prone skin (without any of the negative side effects of pharmaceuticals). Additionally, Bentonite contains aluminum phyosillicate.

Bentonite contains the following minerals: Montmorillonite, Kaolinite, Illite and Beidelite. Accessory minerals such as attapulgite, mica, quartz, feldspar, calcite and gypsum. Bentonite may contain magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminum and silica.

Fuller Earth

The newest type of clay to hit the cosmetics industry. It can be quite drying but great for oily skin. Fuller Earth commonly contains montmorillonite, kaolinite and attapulgite and consists primarily of hydrous aluminum silicates. It may contain smaller amounts of calcite, dolomite and quartz. Fuller Earth does not swell unlike bentonite.

Fuller Earth is known as the bleaching clay for its bleaching functions. It is great at reducing skin darkness and sun damage. This leads Fuller Earth to contain some antiaging properties.

Fuller Earth occurs naturally in sedimentary clay and is composed of alumina, silica, iron oxides, magnesium, dolomite, calcium and calcite. The aluminum silicate in clay controls oil production by absorption. FE has a high lime content which aids in cleansing the skin.

Additional fascinating information about FE is that it is commonly used in military and civil service personnel to decontaminate clothing and equipment via direct contact application onto chemical protective clothing due to its decontamination properties!

French Green

Surprisingly enough, French Green clay originates from France. It is commonly referred to as “Illite” or “Sea Clay”. This fabulous clay is a strong exfoliant and great at absorbing excess oil. French Green is best for normal to oily skin.

Rassoul

Rassoul is derived from Morrocco and contains a very high mineral content. It provides medium exfoliant and absorbing properties.

Clay

Benefits of Clay