Cosmetic Clay

What is a cosmetic clay?

A cosmetic clay is a naturally-occurring mineral powdery substance that is formed from weathered rock or as part of volcanic ash.

Clay minerals are composed essentially of silica, alumina or magnesium. When clay is combined with liquid, it can be molded into shape.

Clay is used in cosmetics for a number of different ways as a:

filler
thickener
stabilizer
base
medium to transport vitamins/actives into the skin

Characteristics of clay

The clay is often a powder with many different colors. Other than this, it is also:

absorbs large amounts of liquid
powdery when dry, muddy when wet
has long shelf-life (as long as you keep it dry)
economical in cost
able to absorb toxins and bacteria (adsorption)
has regenerating properties
has anti-inflammatory properties
has anti-parasite properties
has antiseptic properties
a natural healing agent and requires no doctor to administer

How many types of cosmetic clay are there?

There are 9 types of cosmetic clay that you can use to make your product.

Rhassoul clay
Kaolin clay
Bentonite clay aka Montmorillonite clay
Green clay
Dead sea mud
Red clay
Pink clay
Fuller's Earth
Blue Cambrian clay aka Illite clay

Different clays will have different properties

Depending on what product you are formulating, choosing the right clay or clay combination can be a little bit difficult.

Don't worry, I will help narrow down your choices so that you can create the perfect cosmetic product each and every time!

Rhassoul clay - swells more than other clays, good for oily skin

Kaolin clay - very mild so suitable for people with sensitive, mature or dry skin, has strong adsorbent properties (attracts toxins)

Bentonite clay aka Montmorillonite clay - has no odour, non-staining, strongly absorptive

Green clay - contains up to 9 important mineral oxides, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosporous, silicon, copper, and selenium

Dead sea mud - High in salts and minerals, exhibits high antimicrobial activity

Red clay - suitable for people with oily skin, does not expand when it comes into contact with water, will stain fabrics

Pink clay - suitable for people with sensitive, mature or dry skin, has strong adsorbent properties (attracts toxins)

Fuller's Earth - makes a good powder-based ingredient, good for oily and acne-prone skin, has strong adsorbent properties (attracts toxins)

Blue Cambrian clay aka Illite clay - appears bluish powder, reduce blemishes, calms eczema-ic and inflamed skin, has strong adsorbent properties (attracts toxins), reduces wrinkles