Clay Mask Benefits: Three Things To Know About Clay Face Masks

The ultimate connection to the Earth’s minerals and their natural health benefits, clay gives our skin an all-encompassing health kick. These minerals help to keep our skin functioning in good health by delivering a burst of vitamins, a boost of moisture, and a bucket load of detoxifying qualities.

But why did people start using clay as part of their skincare, what are the best clays to use, and what benefits does a clay face mask offer? If you’re thinking about incorporating a clay face mask (also known as a clay face pack) as part of your skincare ritual, or perhaps you already use a clay-based product but want to know more, here’s three things you should know… plus we'll introduce you to Amaranthine's range of natural clay face masks.

What is natural clay?

Clay has been a highly regarded skincare ingredient for years… over 5,000 years. Using clay for skincare is thought to have originated in India, where clay masks were used as skin treatment and later used during religious rituals and weddings. Clay was also a popular ingredient in Egypt, where the natural properties were thought to draw out impurities and prolong youthfulness, and it wasn’t long until clay was introduced to the bath houses ofItaly and Greece.

Historians even believe that in the earliest stages of mankind, orches, a natural clay pigment, was mixed with mud and water to clean skin and cure wounds. Now, clay is a staple ingredient in a wide variety of skincare products and has become a much-loved part of an everyday skincare routine.

A natural fine-grained soil material, clay works well as a base for a face mask thanks to its spreadable consistency when wet and the drying process that helps to draw out impurities, dirt and oil from the skin. And the best part? There’s a range of different natural clays that are used for skincare products, all providing unique benefits. So, whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or a combination… there's a clay face mask to help.

Types of clay used in masks

With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which skincare products are most suitable for your skin. When it comes to clay, there’s a carefully chosen range that delivers balancing properties for oily skin, a moisture burst for dry skin, and detoxifying benefits for all types, amongst others.

Here are a few types of clay used most often in face masks...

Moroccan lava clay

This red-brown clay is extracted from a valley in theAtlas Mountains and is recognised for being rich in magnesium and potassium. Also called Rhassoul clay, meaning ‘to wash’ in Arabic, this clay is a great all-rounder for providing benefits to the skin and hair. Working to naturally detoxify and exfoliate, Moroccan lava clay works wonders for those with a dull and tired complexion, as well as for acne-prone skin.

Amaranthine's Radiance Clay Face Mask is a fruity cocktail of vitamin c rich Amazonian camu camu berry and mango extracts, with a base of purifying Moroccan lava clay. To gently cleanse the skin, we also added bentonite clay.

Bentonite clay

Formed from volcanic ash, bentonite is hailed for its absorption capabilities, making it perfect for absorbing excess oils from those with oily skin - this also means it’s great at absorbing particles like dirt and pollution. Both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, bentonite delivers an array of minerals, including calcium, iron, copper, and zinc.

As well as our Radiance Clay Face Mask, we’ve used bentonite clay as the base of our Soothing Clay Face Mask. By combining bentonite clay with cooling organic aloe vera, we’ve created a soothing mask that leaves your skin cleansed and calm.

Kaolin‍

Kaolin has grown in popularity over recent years due to it being a gentle, all-rounder clay. This white clay has anti-inflammatory properties and provides a gentle exfoliation. Rich in silica and with a neutral pH, kaolin is a calming ingredient that is recognised for drawing out impurities and naturally cleansing the skin. Like bentonite, kaolin is great at absorbing sebum without diminishing healthy and natural oils, making it a go-to clay for all skin types. Its gentle character also makes this clay a great option for those with sensitive skin.

To leave skin feeling clean, refreshed, and glowing, we’ve used kaolin clay as the base of our Rejuvenating Clay Face Mask. Designed to be gentle on the skin, it doesn’t contain any essential oils or fruit enzymes making it perfect for those with very sensitive skin.

French green clay

Getting its iconic green colour from kelp and algae, French green clay has strong absorbtion capabilities and provides a fresh and clean feeling, working to detoxify acne-prone and overly oily skin. Harvested from the Montmorillonite region of France, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits making it a great natural cleanser and exfoliator.

Packed with detoxifying properties, French green clay forms the base of our Detox Clay Face Mask. I've combined carefully selected natural ingredients to create a face mask that truly detoxifies the skin - from matcha green tea that helps to balance oily skin and calm redness caused by acne, to chamomile for its naturally antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

What are the key clay face mask benefits?

So, you’ve decided to add a clay face mask to your skincare ritual, but what are the benefits of using natural clay?

Here are a few key benefits that make using a clay face mask a no brainer:

• Detoxifying: Clay is naturally detoxifying, working to draw out impurities, dirt and oil to leave your pores clear and skin feeling fresh.
• Absorption: Clays naturally absorb sebum without depleting natural oil levels.
• Complexion: Packed with natural minerals, clay masks help to brighten your complexion and give you that glow.
• Antibacterial: Helping to reduce blackheads and acne, clay has natural antibacterial properties - making it the perfect cleanser.
• Anti-inflammatory: Some clays, like bentonite and kaolin, have natural anti-inflammatory benefits that work to soothe inflamed skin.

How many times a week should you use a clay face mask?

I suggest incorporating a weekly clay face mask into your skincare ritual to maximise its advantages. The inclusion of a clay face mask in your skincare regimen can assist in maintaining clear pores, promoting soft and healthy skin, and enhancing overall skin wellness. I particularly enjoy applying a clay face mask before special occasions or evenings out, as it offers an immediate skin pick-me-up!

Here at Amaranthine, I've carefully selected every ingredient that goes into our clay face masks. I formulate with natural, minimally processed ingredients and I truly believe that everything for beautiful skin can be found from nature! Amaranthine products are certified palm oil free, and certified cruelty free by PETA.

If you’re considering incorporating a natural clay face mask into your skincare ritual, explore our range of natural clay face masks and find the perfect mask for your skin.

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