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Clay has been used for centuries as an integral part of beauty regimens as well as one’s overall health and well-being.  In fact, Dr Weston A Price in his book “ Nutrition and Physical Degeneration’ stated that several societal groups have used clay ceremonially for healing procedures such as African and Indian tribes as well as the Andes. It is said that these cultures usually carry balls of dried clay in their possession and place small amounts in water to have with their meals to prevent toxins that might have been in their food (Price, 2009). 

The Egyptians were also infamous for using clay, particularly the well-known Cleopatra who was noted to have clay as part of her beauty regimen for clay baths to preserve her beauty (Harth, 2013; Coulumbe, 2008).  Some of the clays used then included ochre, which was a mixture of natural clay earth pigment and ranges in colour from yellow to a deep shade of orange. Ochre clay was used in ancient Egypt to treat intestinal issues among other complaints (The Papyrus Ebers).  

According to research, some of these classical times clays such as Tema Chia, Terra Sigillata, and Samian Earth might have been versions of the now-famous bentonite clay (Selinus et. al. 2005).  Therefore, as you can see, clay is not a newfound beauty treatment or health and wellness miracle. However, while some of those classical versions or not around or may have morphed into some of the ones we use today, often the choices can overwhelm us and you just do not know what to choose. Hence this article. Let’s discuss!

You can read more about skin and skincare in this in-depth article here.

• Love the skin you’re in

The Discussion

Clays are a soft type of mineral substance that forms as a result of weathered volcanic ash due to environmental influences that can be both physical and chemical (enviromedica.com). No two (2) clays are the same. As such, they differ in terms of structure and composition, which is dependent on where and how they are sourced.  However, many types of clays have one thing in common, being able to absorb large amounts of water as well as organic substances such as minerals (Bergaya et. al. 2006).

According to Galina St. George in her book “How Clay Works,’ an electric charge is created between the layers of the clay as well as on the tip/edge of its particles. This causes the clay to be able to absorb significantly, heavy and radioactive metals, as well as free radicals and other unwanted products (St. George, 2015). 

As such, some clays are used both internally and externally to help cleanse or detox the body. Additionally, some clay minerals have been purported as being able to kill many types of pathogenic bacteria (Williams et al., 2004; Ma’or et al., 2006; Haydel et al., 2008) which make them the main feature in spas, face masks, and mud baths (Enviromedica.com).

These purported benefits have helped to cement clays’ place as part of many people’s health and beauty regimens.  In this article, we will be discussing three (3) of the most commonly used or available types of clays, and in some cases, those that are considered among the best clays that can be incorporated into your skincare routine based on your particular skincare needs. 

In this article we will explore some of the most common clays such as the famous bentonite clay, Kaolin, another well-known clay, and last, but certainly, not least, the French Green Clay.

Three(3) ‘must-have’ clays for your skincare and beauty regimen!

• Bentonite Clay
• Kaolin Clay.
• Green French Clay.

Bentonite Clay and the Skin

Bentonite clay is one of the most common types of clay that is used for skin care or to treat skin conditions (Enviromedica.com).  Bentonite clay is an absorbent clay with the main component being aluminium phyllosilicate (Moosavi, 2017).  The clay is said to get its name from a place in Wyoming, United States, known as Fort Benton, where its largest sources were originally found. Other names of the clay such as Montmorillonite clay are based on a region in France known as Montmorillon.  This is the region where the clay was reportedly first found (Moosavi, 2017).

Bentonite clay is odourless and light grey with a very fine consistency.  When the clay is mixed with water, it forms a paste that is applied to the desired area of the body.  The clay is sometimes mixed with apple cider vinegar (ACV), which gives it a runny-like texture and makes it even more pliable. Bentonite clay is purported to have a significant concentration of minerals such as iron, magnesium, silica, sodium, and calcium which are beneficial to the skin and overall health. 

Bentonite clay can be of two (2) forms – calcium or sodium-based due to the clay’s physical properties. The main difference between sodium and the calcium form is that one is more swelling (Sodium) while the other is non-swelling (Bentonite). In that, Sodium bentonite clay can absorb large quantities of water, swelling to many times its original volume in a gel-like mass while calcium bentonite clay is non-swelling, but rather is broken down to a finely granular consistency and is thus used more as an absorbent clay (Britannica.com).

Additionally, sodium bentonite clay is usually used to seal dams, in soap making, and pharmaceuticals, to clarify drinking water and juices as well as a water softener to remove calcium from hard water (Britannica.com).  On the other hand, calcium bentonite clay is the one that is commonly used in the cosmetic industry for skincare. 

Calcium bentonite clay is purported to be able to remove toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and general impurities from the skin leaving the skin looking clean, refreshed, and rejuvenated.  It is also said to help the skin to remain firm, due to its absorbing mechanism which tends to get the skin tight as it dries.  I have used both versions of the clay, but my preference is the more pliable calcium version. However, the sodium version is very soft but can be lumpy, which makes it a bit more challenging to apply.

Kaolin Clay and the Skin

Kaolin or China Clay as it is sometimes called is a mineral clay that is an essential ingredient in the manufacturing of porcelain and china.  The clay is usually dubbed “China Clay’ which is the name of a hill in China of the same name “Kao-ling.” This is the place at which it is said that the clay was originally mined for centuries (Britannica.com).  In its natural form, the clay is white and consists mainly of the mineral – Kaolinite.  On the other hand, there is the crude version, which is usually stained yellow due to the iron hydroxide contents.  As such, it is usually bleached and washed to remove other minerals so that it can be used commercially (Britannica.com). 

Commercial clay is usually made up of tiny mineral crystals which are composed of minerals such as silica, quartz, feldspar, muscovite, and anatase (Britannica.com).  Other minerals in the clay include selenium, zinc, and magnesium (Britannica.com).  Sometimes you might see this type of clay in several different colours, for example, pink, red, and orange.  The colouring of the clay is due to iron oxides, which give a distinct rust hue to the clay. However, green kaolin clay reportedly gets its colour from iron oxide and plant matter.  

Kaolin clay is also very fine in texture and just requires a little bit of water to make a thin paste for application to the skin. The clay is also said to be able to be used safely on all skin types, including sensitive skin as it is usually mild.  Some of the purported benefits of using this clay for skincare include its ability to exfoliate the skin, helping to manage acne as well as firm the skin.  Most clays, including Kaolin, are also said to be able to hydrate the skin due to the moisture barrier it forms on the skin, which makes the skin less susceptible to moisture loss (Beradesca et al. 2012).

French Green Clay and the Skin

French green clay is a member of a subcategory of mineral clay known as ‘illite clays.’ The other clays that belong to this group are kaoline and smectite clays (Encyclopedia.com). The clay takes its name from the rock quarries of Southern France.  Its green colour comes from a combination of iron oxides and plant matter such as kelp, seaweed, and other algae (Encyclopedia.com).

Minerals that are found in the clay include dolomite, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, cobalt, silicon, etc. (Enclycopedia.com).  For commercial use, the clay is mined and placed in the sun to remove the excess water.  It is then grounded finely for packaging.  You can find French Clay in soaps, scrubs, or in its dry powdered form.

The clay is regarded as an excellent treatment for stimulating the skin, and removing impurities and bacteria from the surface of the skin (Williams et al., 2004; Encyclopedia.com).  As with the other clays mentioned, it stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin as it absorbs impurities. The drying and tightening sensation helps to tighten the pores which helps the skin to feel smooth and firm (Encyclopedia.com).  

Additionally, it is recommended that the clay is not mixed or stored in a metal container but instead used with a wooden spoon,  glass or ceramic container and a spoon. This recommendation seemingly goes for all the clays that have been mentioned earlier.

It is suggested that the beneficial properties of the clay are lost when it comes into contact with metal objects, which do have some scientific basis.  This is because research has shown that illicit clays, the category of clay that French green clay have been shown to remove heavy metals in wastewater produced by some industries (Encyclopedia.com). However, this clay is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin as it has minerals that may be irritating to the skin.  Additionally, it is only recommended to be used once a week due to its drying effect on the skin.  As such, the clay is best used for oily skin types. 

Are there any side effects in applying mineral clays to the skin?

There are no known serious side effects in using bentonite clay or kaolin clay on the skin. However, it is always recommended to do a patch skin test before you apply clays or any new skincare products to the face. This is to see if you are allergic or develop any negative reactions.  Additionally, some bentonite clay products may have trace amounts of lead or other heavy metals, so it is best to ensure that you research the product or where and how the clay was produced before use.

As it relates to french green clay, some noted side effects are skin rashes or patches of dry flaky skin (Encyclopedia.com).  Additionally, it is recommended that these clays not be used on dry skin types due to their drying effects on the skin.

How to use mineral clays for skincare

For clays purchased in powdered forms, mix with water in a wooden or non-metal bowl to form a paste. Apply the mixture to the face until the entire face is covered (excluding the eyes).  Let the mixture sit on the face for at least 10 to 15 minutes or until it is completely dry. Rinse with warm water.

Remember to splash the face with room temperature water to close back up the pores.  You can proceed with your other treatments as needed.  Furthermore, always ensure that you moisturize the skin after using clays, as mineral clay masks can be very drying.  For masks that are commercially packaged, apply the mask as per the product’s instructions.  As mentioned earlier, always ensure that you avoid the eye area to prevent the clays from getting into the eye. Additionally, areas close to the eyes are usually considered quite sensitive.

Illustrative Summary

Here is a summary of the Three(3) ‘must have’ clays for your SKINCARE and BEAUTY REGIMEN.

Let’s Sum Up!

Mineral clays have been a staple in many health and beauty routines for years, even from prehistoric times.  This is due to their many purported benefits. Some of the health benefits include exfoliating the skin, removing impurities and toxins, acne management, and hydrating the skin. 

No two (2) clays are the same. As such, each of them will have particular benefits that are unique only to them.  However, most mineral clays will have a drying or tightening effect on the skin that is said to help with tightening the skin thus making it appear smooth.  

In this post, we have made the choice of purchasing a mineral clay for your skincare regimen a bit easier as we have discussed three (3) of some of the most prominent used ones, those that have purported to be very beneficial to the skin. These include bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and french green clay.  However, you do not need them all. You can choose the one that best meets your skincare needs and use it consistently for the best results. So, with all that was said…Are you Skintimate yet?

For further guides for skincare, check out these other posts:

• Love the skin you’re in
• A Simplified skincare routine, that works!
• Glycolic Acid – the sting of beauty.)
• Hyaluronic Acid – Antiaging Hero or Fad?
• 5 Natural oils to seriously consider for your skincare arsenal – Grape seed oil is one of them!

Editor’s Note: Article was updated on July 11, 2024

References

• Bergaya F, Lagaly G. General Introduction: Clays, Clay Minerals, and Clay Science. In: Bergaya F, Theng B, Lagaly G, editors. Dev Clay Sci – Handb Clay Sci. Elsevier; 2006. p. 1–18.
• Coulumbe, Margaret (7 April 2008). “‘Healing clays’ hold promise in fight against MRSA superbug infections and disease” (Press release). The Biodesign Institute: Arizona State University. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
• Harth, Richard (17 May 2013). “Attacking MRSA with metals from antibacterial clays”. ASU Now (Press release). Arizona State University. Retrieved 20 July, 2021.
• Haydel SE, Remineh CM, Williams LB. Broad-spectrum in vitro antibacterial activities of clay minerals against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2008 in press. [PMC free article] [PubMed] 
• Ma’or Z, Henis Y, Along Y, Orlov E, Sorensen KB, Oren A. Antimicrobial properties of Dead Sea black mineral mud. International Journal of Dermatology. 2006;45:504–511. [PubMed].
• Moosavi M. (2017). Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review. Iranian journal of public health, 46(9), 1176–1183.
• Price, Weston A. (2009). Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.
• “The Papyrus Ebers: The Greatest Egyptian Medical Document”. www.macalster.edu. Translated by Ebbell, B. Copenhagen: Levin & Munksgaard. 1937. Archived from the original on 26 February 2005.
•  Selinus, Olle; Alloway, BJ (2005). Essentials of medical geology: Impacts of the natural environment on public health. Academic Press. p. 446. ISBN 0-12-636341-2.
• St George, G. (2015) How Clay Works: Science and Applications of Clays and Clay-Like Minerals in Health and Beauty.
• Williams LB, Holland M, Eberl DD, Brunet T, Brunet de Courssou L. Killer Clays! Natural antibacterial clay minerals. Mineralogical Society Bulletin. 2004;139:3–8.