Product description

French red cosmetic clay is a natural mineral raw material with the INCI Illite, Kaolin. It is obtained by mining from natural deposits, then mechanically purified, dried and finely milled into a powder. The red coloration is natural – it results from the mineral composition and the presence of colored mineral admixtures typical for red clays.
In formulations it is used mainly for absorbing excess sebum, a mattifying effect and as a mineral filler that improves sensorial properties (softer, “drier” feel) in anhydrous products.

Key benefits

• Mattifying effect – helps reduce shine and improves the appearance of the skin.
• Absorbs sebum and supports a feeling of clean skin.
• Gentle cleansing – suitable for masks and powder cleansing blends.
• Mineral filler – improves slip and skin feel in soaps, powders and anhydrous products.
• Also suitable for dry and sensitive skin when the exposure time is properly chosen and followed by hydration.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial masks – cleansing and mattifying.
• Powder masks and cleansing powders (to be mixed immediately before use).
• Soaps – adjustment of color and sensorial properties (according to the formulation).
• Body wraps and bath rituals (powder blends for dispersing).
• Deodorants and body powders – supporting a drier feel.

Use in formulation

• Insoluble in: water and oils – used as a powder component (dispersion/suspension).
• Miscible with: water, hydrolats and gels – after dispersing it forms a paste suitable for masks.
• Compatible with: emulsions and surfactant systems (as a solid phase); in masks it is often combined with humectants for a more pleasant skin feel.
• Technological tip: for a smooth consistency, sieve the powder and incorporate it gradually; first disperse it into a slurry in a small amount of liquid.

Safety and storage

• Avoid inhalation of fine dust; when handling, work slowly and in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid contact with eyes; in case of contact, rinse with water.
• Store in a dry place and in a tightly closed container so that the raw material does not bind moisture and odors from the surroundings.
• For sensitive skin, choose a shorter mask exposure time and then follow with hydrating skin care.

Composition

• Illite (typically approximately 75 % ± 5)
• Kaolin (typically approximately 25 % ± 3)

Physical properties

• Appearance: fine red to brick-red powder (natural mineral coloration).
• Powder fineness: typically 90 % < 100 μm, 100 % < 150 μm. [oai_citation:0‡Range of clays.pdf](sediment://file_00000000b7047243a7afad58d65402fe)
• Behavior in formulations: in low-viscosity systems it may sediment – thickening or use in higher-viscosity products helps.

FAQ

If you would like to learn more about the benefits and use of cosmetic clays, read our article Cosmetic clays and their use.
Also have a look at other cosmetic clays offered by Handymade.sk.

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