When mineral-rich rocks, natural weathering, and the span of a few hundred years become intertwined, the Earth provides a fine-grained material known as natural clay. For millennia, cosmetic clays have been utilized throughout nearly all ancient and traditional beauty regimens for their beneficial properties and applications for many skin types. The earliest use of cosmetic clay, or “medicinal earth”, dates back to the Stone Age by the oldest known early humans, Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis. Experts theorize the concept of using clay was sparked as our ancient ancestors witnessed animals instinctively bathing in mineral-rich mud. These early humans are believed to have mirrored the behavior with a natural clay earth pigment known as ochre to aid in wound healing and soothing irritations. Cosmetic clays have since evolved alongside humans and are a prevalent resource in traditional healing methods throughout Ayurveda, ancient Egyptians, and Indigenous American populations.
Fast forward to the present day, cosmetic clays have recently resurfaced as a booming topic in the beauty community. With the rainbow of cosmetic clay colors and varieties available today, navigating which clay is right for you can be overwhelming. The natural hue and mineral content of a specific clay reflects the unique composition of minerals found within the soil where it is mined, the weathering it was exposed to, the presence of active enzymes or organic matter, and a complex range of other factors. Although all clays have the ability to draw out oil and impurities from the skin, the chemical composition a clay exhibits will offer different benefits for the skin. For example, bentonite clay is composed of volcanic ash rich in minerals such as magnesium and iron, which creates an off-white, green coloring. Bentonite clay offers powerful absorbent properties, making it a preferable choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. On the other hand, Rhassoul clay is mined from deep clay deposits in Morocco that are especially abundant in silica, magnesium, and iron minerals, which create its distinctive reddish-brown hue. Rhassoul clay has less powerful oil-absorbing abilities than bentonite clay and is more suitable for mature, dry, or sensitive skin types.
Whether peering into 5,000 B.C. or 2024, cosmetic clays have withstood the test of time throughout our history. Today, cosmetic clays are commonly the primary ingredient in face masks, homemade soaps, natural dry shampoos, and even effective bee sting relief recipes. Contrary to its name, cosmetic clays are not only beneficial for skincare either! Bentonite clay and Fuller's earth clay have particularly potent oil-absorbing properties that make for a fantastic natural choice when cleaning up oily messes on carpets and fabric. With clay being one of Earth’s most uniquely versatile natural resources, we created a handy guide to common cosmetic clays that will equip you with all the “clayspiration” you'll need to incorporate cosmetic clays into your beauty care regimen and beyond!
Sodium bentonite clay is composed of volcanic ash sediments weathered over a long period of time. This unique clay is known for its swelling properties, which allow it to act as a highly absorbent sponge when mixed with water. Bentonite clay is one of the most popular cosmetic clays on the market today and is typically recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Characteristics: Bentonite clay has a smooth consistency and slightly darker off-white color. If liquid is incorporated into the dry clay too slowly, the rehydrated clay mixture will form lumps. Using a whisk can help maintain a smooth consistency. This rehydrated clay spreads smoothly onto the skin and has a thick texture reminiscent of cooked oatmeal.
French green clay acquired its name because the first recorded deposits of this clay were found in France, although it is now commonly found in many different areas around the globe. This fine-textured clay obtains its verdant color from decomposed plant matter. French green clay is ideal for treating occasional blemishes and is typically recommended for those with normal to oily skin.
Characteristics: French green clay tends to have a slightly lumpy texture when combined with liquid. For smoother clay preparations, incorporate liquids by mixing slowly and thoroughly with a whisk. Once rehydrated, the clay becomes a deeper green hue, and the texture is slightly grainy when applied to the skin.
Fuller’s earth clay is a naturally occurring sedimentary clay with enormous drawing capabilities and is considered the top clay for oily skin. It effectively draws oil from the skin and has been used industrially for this purpose. This clay can be helpful for oil-based stain removal and has mild natural bleaching properties. Fuller’s earth clay is typically recommended for those with a very oily skin type.
Characteristics: Fuller’s earth clay is very smooth and easy to incorporate with liquids. The rehydrated clay becomes a dark grey to dark tan color and retains a fairly thick consistency.
Rhassoul clay is a fine, red-colored clay mined from ancient clay deposits found deep within the fertile Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This clay has been used for centuries in traditional natural skin care practices and is the clay of choice utilized by the finest spas across the world for its therapeutic benefits. While still effective at absorbing excess oil from the skin, Rhassoul clay is gentler than other clay varieties and is typically recommended for those with sensitive, dry, or mature skin types.
Characteristics: Rhassoul clay mixes easily with liquid and creates a velvety red-brown colored paste. The slight graininess vanishes as the clay absorbs water, and its thin consistency is easy to smooth onto the skin.
White cosmetic clay (a.k.a. Kaolin clay) is one of the most versatile and easily applied clays commonly found in standard skincare preparations and cosmetics. This clay is thought to be the mildest of all cosmetic clays and helps gently stimulate skin circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing. White cosmetic clay is typically recommended for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
Characteristics: Wet white cosmetic clay takes on a much darker tan color when liquid is incorporated. This clay mixes easily with liquids which offers a smooth, thin, and grit-free paste.
You may also be interested in:
Topics: Natural Body Care, Specialty Ingredients
Hailey grew up on a small rural farm in Oregon surrounded by trees and more animals than you could count on your fingers and toes. Hailey's collective passions for exploration, art, biology, and animals have led her through various career paths including veterinary medicine, neurodiverse healthcare, and teaching glazing at a local pottery studio. These accumulated skills brought her to the front steps of Mountain Rose Herbs, where she holds the position of Partnership & Event Coordinator. When she isn’t planning community events, you can find her cooking up nourishing plant-based food, snuggling with her beloved kitty, Indigo, or wandering around mossy creek beds looking for agates and animal bones to breathe new life into her jewelry creations.
When mineral-rich rocks, natural weathering, and the span of a few hundred years become intertwined, the Earth provides a fine-grained material known as natural clay. For millennia, cosmetic clays have been utilized throughout nearly all ancient and traditional beauty regimens for their beneficial properties and applications for many skin types. The earliest use of cosmetic clay, or “medicinal earth”, dates back to the Stone Age by the oldest known early humans, Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis. Experts theorize the concept of using clay was sparked as our ancient ancestors witnessed animals instinctively bathing in mineral-rich mud. These early humans are believed to have mirrored the behavior with a natural clay earth pigment known as ochre to aid in wound healing and soothing irritations. Cosmetic clays have since evolved alongside humans and are a prevalent resource in traditional healing methods throughout Ayurveda, ancient Egyptians, and Indigenous American populations.
Fast forward to the present day, cosmetic clays have recently resurfaced as a booming topic in the beauty community. With the rainbow of cosmetic clay colors and varieties available today, navigating which clay is right for you can be overwhelming. The natural hue and mineral content of a specific clay reflects the unique composition of minerals found within the soil where it is mined, the weathering it was exposed to, the presence of active enzymes or organic matter, and a complex range of other factors. Although all clays have the ability to draw out oil and impurities from the skin, the chemical composition a clay exhibits will offer different benefits for the skin. For example, bentonite clay is composed of volcanic ash rich in minerals such as magnesium and iron, which creates an off-white, green coloring. Bentonite clay offers powerful absorbent properties, making it a preferable choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. On the other hand, Rhassoul clay is mined from deep clay deposits in Morocco that are especially abundant in silica, magnesium, and iron minerals, which create its distinctive reddish-brown hue. Rhassoul clay has less powerful oil-absorbing abilities than bentonite clay and is more suitable for mature, dry, or sensitive skin types.
Whether peering into 5,000 B.C. or 2024, cosmetic clays have withstood the test of time throughout our history. Today, cosmetic clays are commonly the primary ingredient in face masks, homemade soaps, natural dry shampoos, and even effective bee sting relief recipes. Contrary to its name, cosmetic clays are not only beneficial for skincare either! Bentonite clay and Fuller's earth clay have particularly potent oil-absorbing properties that make for a fantastic natural choice when cleaning up oily messes on carpets and fabric. With clay being one of Earth’s most uniquely versatile natural resources, we created a handy guide to common cosmetic clays that will equip you with all the “clayspiration” you'll need to incorporate cosmetic clays into your beauty care regimen and beyond!
Sodium bentonite clay is composed of volcanic ash sediments weathered over a long period of time. This unique clay is known for its swelling properties, which allow it to act as a highly absorbent sponge when mixed with water. Bentonite clay is one of the most popular cosmetic clays on the market today and is typically recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Characteristics: Bentonite clay has a smooth consistency and slightly darker off-white color. If liquid is incorporated into the dry clay too slowly, the rehydrated clay mixture will form lumps. Using a whisk can help maintain a smooth consistency. This rehydrated clay spreads smoothly onto the skin and has a thick texture reminiscent of cooked oatmeal.
French green clay acquired its name because the first recorded deposits of this clay were found in France, although it is now commonly found in many different areas around the globe. This fine-textured clay obtains its verdant color from decomposed plant matter. French green clay is ideal for treating occasional blemishes and is typically recommended for those with normal to oily skin.
Characteristics: French green clay tends to have a slightly lumpy texture when combined with liquid. For smoother clay preparations, incorporate liquids by mixing slowly and thoroughly with a whisk. Once rehydrated, the clay becomes a deeper green hue, and the texture is slightly grainy when applied to the skin.
Fuller’s earth clay is a naturally occurring sedimentary clay with enormous drawing capabilities and is considered the top clay for oily skin. It effectively draws oil from the skin and has been used industrially for this purpose. This clay can be helpful for oil-based stain removal and has mild natural bleaching properties. Fuller’s earth clay is typically recommended for those with a very oily skin type.
Characteristics: Fuller’s earth clay is very smooth and easy to incorporate with liquids. The rehydrated clay becomes a dark grey to dark tan color and retains a fairly thick consistency.
Rhassoul clay is a fine, red-colored clay mined from ancient clay deposits found deep within the fertile Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This clay has been used for centuries in traditional natural skin care practices and is the clay of choice utilized by the finest spas across the world for its therapeutic benefits. While still effective at absorbing excess oil from the skin, Rhassoul clay is gentler than other clay varieties and is typically recommended for those with sensitive, dry, or mature skin types.
Characteristics: Rhassoul clay mixes easily with liquid and creates a velvety red-brown colored paste. The slight graininess vanishes as the clay absorbs water, and its thin consistency is easy to smooth onto the skin.
White cosmetic clay (a.k.a. Kaolin clay) is one of the most versatile and easily applied clays commonly found in standard skincare preparations and cosmetics. This clay is thought to be the mildest of all cosmetic clays and helps gently stimulate skin circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing. White cosmetic clay is typically recommended for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
Characteristics: Wet white cosmetic clay takes on a much darker tan color when liquid is incorporated. This clay mixes easily with liquids which offers a smooth, thin, and grit-free paste.
You may also be interested in:
Topics: Natural Body Care, Specialty Ingredients
Hailey grew up on a small rural farm in Oregon surrounded by trees and more animals than you could count on your fingers and toes. Hailey's collective passions for exploration, art, biology, and animals have led her through various career paths including veterinary medicine, neurodiverse healthcare, and teaching glazing at a local pottery studio. These accumulated skills brought her to the front steps of Mountain Rose Herbs, where she holds the position of Partnership & Event Coordinator. When she isn’t planning community events, you can find her cooking up nourishing plant-based food, snuggling with her beloved kitty, Indigo, or wandering around mossy creek beds looking for agates and animal bones to breathe new life into her jewelry creations.
