Product description

Black French clay is a natural mineral blend of clays and fine mineral particles, which is mainly used in cleansing and mattifying cosmetics. It is a combination of three types of clay: Illite, Quartz and Kaolin, a blend of clays with different abilities to absorb sebum and improve the texture of products.
The raw material is formed by geological processes (weathering and sedimentation), then extracted, mechanically cleaned, dried and milled into a fine powder suitable for cosmetic use. "The 'black' hue is usually due to the natural mineral colouring and trace components in the deposit, not to added dyes.
In practice, it is a popular choice for masks and powder products where you want a stronger cleansing and mattifying effect than kaolin alone, but a pleasant texture and good spreadability.

Key benefits

• Absorbs excess sebum and helps to mattify the skin.
• Purifying effect - binds impurities to the surface of the mineral particles.
• Velvety feel - improves the texture of masks, powders and waterless products.
• Promotes 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

• Facial 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 - improve slip and sensory (by formulation).

Use in formulation

• Insoluble in: water and oils - used as a fine dispersion/suspension.
• Miscible with: aqueous and oil systems (as a powder phase); may sink to the bottom over time with thinner products, so it is advisable to work with a reasonable viscosity.
• Compatible with: emulsifiers, oils, butters, tensides as well as other powders (starches, zinc oxide); in masks it is advisable to add a humectant (e.g. glycerine) for a more pleasant feel.
• Dosage (indicative)
  • Masks: medium to higher percentages according to the desired cleansing strength and skin type.
  • Powders and deodorants: according to the degree of absorption and softness of the sensation.
  • Soaps: low to medium percentages according to the desired "slip" effect.
• Technology tip: sift the powder and add gradually to reduce clumping; for masks, it can be premixed into a portion of glycerin or oil, depending on the type of formula.

Safety and storage

• Avoid inhaling fine dust; work slowly and in a well-ventilated area when handling the powder.
• Avoid contact with eyes; flush with water if touched.
• Store in a tightly closed container, in a dry place, so that the raw material does not bind moisture and odours from the surroundings.
• For masks, adjust the duration of application to the skin type; for sensitive or dry skin, shorter application followed by moisturisation.

FAQ

See also other clays and clays in the Handymade.sk offer.