COSMETIC CLAYS
Cosmetic clays are the base for facial and body mud packs. They are becoming “posh” as they are a healthy and effective alternative for gaining natural beauty for skin and hair.
Why use cosmetic clays?
- contain absorbent minerals that ca tone the skin
- draws out impurities
- removes excess oils
- exfoliate dead skin
- open pores
- aid moisturizers to be absorbed more deeply into the skin.
Cosmetic clays are known to be purifiers, invigorators and exfoliators often used as a mud pack or face/hair mask, a poultice as well as additives for soaps, soap scrubs and clay baths. There are three main groups of clay varying in their mineral composition with subgroups.
1. KAOLINITE GROUP
KAOLIN CLAY
ROSE CLAY
A natural clay from southern Europe that is basically green colored because of argillaceous mineral. A lot of similarities with bentonite clay due to its high silicate content. These properties make it suitable for acne prone or oily skin.
Distinguishably pink colored clay containing kaolinite that is used help increase circulation and reduce inflammation. This is a gentle clay for sensitive skin.
2. SMECTITE GROUP
Clays on the Smectite group contain hydrous aluminum silicates that has sodium, magnesium, calcium and iron. The sodium molecule absorbs large amounts of water and swells up, resulting into a spongy, gel-like substance. When mixed with water, a rapid molecular reaction occurs and charges its electrical charge.
BENTONITE CLAY
FULLER'S EARTH CLAY
Comes from volcanic ash composed of 60% silica, some aluminum, sodium,magnesium, calcium, ferric oxide and potassium.
Consists of bentonites known for its strong oil absorbing and mild bleaching qualities. This is beneficial foracne to oily skin. Fuller’s Earth clay is also called a “whitening clay” for those with facial pigmentation problems.
3. ILLITE GROUP
FRENCH GREEN CLAY
RHASSOUL/GHASSOUL CLAY
Started from the bedrock quarries in France and is now mined from USA, Europe and China. The green color is from the iron oxide and decomposed plant matter, rich in minerals such as silica, aluminum, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Absorbent clay used for toning, stimulating and invigorating making it an excellent facial clay.
From an Arabic verb “Rassala” which means “to wash”. Quarry mined from the Atlas mountains of Morocco, this clay has been used since the 13th and 14th centuries of ancient Rome and Egypt as a hair and skin mask. Sought after for its high silica, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and iron content.
For normal to oily skin, Rhassoul clay is very absorbent intended for cleansing, exfoliating and balancing skin tone. It is a gentle clay for sensitive skin.
