COSMETIC CLAYS

Cosmetic clays for masks, soaps and dry shampoos

A cosmetic clay is a finely milled natural mineral that binds sebum, dirt and odours. That is exactly why it forms the base of face masks, powder facial cleansers and dry shampoos, and why the coloured varieties also tint soap naturally. We stock 11 types, from white kaolin to Moroccan rhassoul, in packs from a 100 g trial size up to 5 kg for regular production — every clay comes with its INCI, a safety data sheet and a certificate of analysis.

Which clay for which skin

• White kaolin: the most versatile — it binds dirt gently, soothes irritated skin and holds fragrance in the product. The Super Fine grade belongs in facial cosmetics, technical kaolin in soaps and household products.
• French green and blue-green: the strongest degreasers, which makes them the choice for oily and blemish-prone skin; they can dry out dry skin.
• Yellow illite: visually refines the look of enlarged pores and is one of the gentler types — dry and sensitive skin will take it well too.
• Red and pink French clay: they ease redness and even out skin tone, and the pink one is particularly gentle thanks to its share of kaolin; the choice for sensitive and mature skin.
• Bentonite: swells strongly with water and cleanses powerfully — the base of intensive cleansing masks for blemish-prone skin.
• Moroccan rhassoul: a mineral-rich clay from the Atlas Mountains, an excellent adsorbent that also helps with the signs of skin ageing.

Dosing into a mask and into soap

Always mix a clay mask right before you use it: stir the powder with water or a floral water from the hydrolates category into a thick paste. Take less bentonite — it soaks up more water and increases in volume considerably. Clays do not mix with oils, so for soap first work the powder into a little water, or stir it straight into the melted soap base while it is still liquid.

Working hygienically with dry clay

The minerals a clay contains are a breeding ground for micro-organisms as soon as moisture reaches them. Store dry clays and powder blends in tightly closed containers, never scoop them out with wet hands and add water only at the moment of application. A product that combines clay with water needs a strong broad-spectrum preservative — and even that will not guarantee a long shelf life. The powder form is therefore always the safest.