Product description

Black French clay is a natural mineral blend of clays and fine mineral particles, used mainly in cleansing and mattifying cosmetics. It is a combination of three types of clay: Illite, Quartz and Kaolin, i.e. a blend of clays with different abilities to absorb sebum and improve product texture.
The raw material is formed by geological processes (weathering and sedimentation), then mined, mechanically purified, dried and milled into a fine powder suitable for cosmetic use. The “black” shade is usually given by the natural mineral colouring and trace components in the deposit, not by added colorants.
In practice it is a popular choice for masks and powder products where you want a stronger cleansing and mattifying effect than with kaolin alone, while still having a pleasant texture and good spreadability.

Key benefits

• Absorbs excess sebum and helps mattify the skin.
• Cleansing effect – binds impurities to the surface of the mineral particles.
• Velvety feel – improves the texture of masks, powders and anhydrous products.
• Supports a smooth appearance in powder products (powders, dry blends).
• Natural blend – also suitable for anhydrous formulations where you want absorption and a drier finish.

Suitable for products such as

• Face masks – cleansing and mattifying (especially for oily and combination skin).
• Cleansing powders.
• Body wraps and bath treatments (powder blends).
• Deodorants and body powders – moisture absorption and improved skin feel.
• Soaps – improved slip and sensory properties (depending on the formulation).

Use in formulation

• Insoluble in: water and oils – used as a fine dispersion/suspension.
• Mixable with: aqueous and oil systems (as a powder phase); in low-viscosity products it may gradually settle to the bottom, so it is advisable to work with adequate viscosity.
• Compatible with: emulsifiers, oils, butters, surfactants and other powders (starches, zinc oxide); in masks it is advisable to add a humectant (e.g. glycerin) for a more pleasant feel.
• Dosage (indicative):
  • Masks: medium to higher percentages depending on the desired cleansing strength and skin type.
  • Powders and deodorants: according to the desired level of absorption and softness of skin feel.
  • Soaps: low to medium percentages according to the desired “slip” effect.
• Processing tip: sieve the powder and add it gradually to reduce lumping; for masks you can premix it into part of the glycerin or oil, depending on the type of formulation.

Safety and storage

• Avoid inhaling fine dust; when working with the powder, work slowly and in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid contact with eyes; in case of contact, rinse with water.
• Store in a tightly closed container, in a dry place, so that the raw material does not absorb moisture and odours from the surroundings.
• For masks, adapt the contact time to the skin type; for sensitive or dry skin use a shorter contact time and follow with hydration.

FAQ

See also other clays and clay minerals offered by Handymade.sk.