Wondering which clay is right for your skin?
Lately, I’ve been using clay as an ingredient in my handmade soaps. Not only does clay provide an array of gorgeous natural colors, but it’s also a highly effective skincare ingredient. There’s a reason you see clay used in soaps, masks, and scrubs so often…it has a ton beneficial properties for your skin.
However, not all clays are created equal. Some will be better suited for certain skin types than others. I’ve broken down some of the most commonly used clays to help you determine which is the best fit for your skin. The following is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Kaolin Clay
Also known as china clay, Kaolin clay is used in a variety of skincare products. This clay is traditionally white, but depending on where it’s mined, the mineral content can give it other hues like yellow, red and pink. We use a pink hued rose kaolin clay in our wild rose goat milk soap.
You may have also heard of Brazilian clays. Brazilian clays are a type of kaolin clay that are mined in Brazil. They range in color from purple to pink, yellow red, even black.
Kaolin is one of the most mildest clays. It controls excess oil without being drying which makes it ideal for all skin types, but particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Bentonite Clay
This clay comes from volcanic ash and occurs in large amounts right here in the US, in Wyoming. Bentonite is typically a light grey color and has a very fine and smooth texture. This clay has excellent oil absorbing properties and is great for those with oily or acne prone skin.
French Green Clay
As the name implies, French Green clay was originally quarried in France. Its soft light green color comes from decomposed plant matter. French green clay is said to remove impurities and toxins from the skin. This is another clay with strong absorption properties, making it an ideal choice for those with oily skin.
Dead Sea Clay
Dark greenish gray in color, this clay originates from the Dead Sea in Israel, long known for healing properties of the mud. This clay has high levels of potassium, magnesium, sulfate and calcium which provide an added skin boost. Dead Sea clay is suitable for normal skin to oily skin.
Moroccan Red Clay
Moroccan red clay is mined from the Atlas mountains region in Morocco. It gets its deep red/orange color from a high iron content. This clay is beneficial to hair as well as skin because it cleanses without stripping oils or being too drying. Mild exfoliating properties help to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. This clay can be used on all skin types. You can find it in our Sweet Orange Patchouli goat milk soap.
Rhassoul Clay