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Finding the Best Clay For Skin Types is Easier Than You Think! 

Working with clay is always a form of art if you ask me. Rather you’re working with the best clay for skin types to create DIY face masks or forming a bowl with your hands. It rings true! 

Let me ask you when you were in college or high school did you long for art class? Art was my class at the end of a long day in high school. And when I finally got there I felt like I could relax, a weight would lift from shoulders, and I could let my creativity flow! I was an art major in college and boy did I dread or sometimes sleep through many of my classes except for the ones on art.

Regardless of our college majors, clay is one of the most mainstay ingredients in art and beauty dating back to ancient cultures. There are so many unique natural clays found around the globe with benefits for all skin types. 

And it’s this versatility that has made clay for skin care one of the most basic, yet effective ingredients in DIY skincare recipes.

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What Is Clay Made of?

Found in sediment, soil, and even volcanic ash, clay is naturally occurring and made of plant material. It is desired for its mineral richness. Just a tiny amount of clay contains calcium, silica, magnesium, iron, and potassium to give an example. 

Related To: Face Steam Recipes 

Related To: Konjac Sponge Benefits for Skin Types

What are the Benefits of Clay for Skin?

I imagine you’re here because you’re wondering is clay good for your face or what does clay do to your skin? And if it is, what are the benefits of clay?

First of all, YES, clay is good for your face! Dating back to ancient practices clay has been used to pull impurities from the body. And is still an effective clean beauty tool in today’s modern times.

If you’ve never experienced a clay mask, I would describe what clay does to the skin as the minerals drinking up the excess oil in your pores. Then pulling the buildup from deep down in each pore. It’s the best way I’ve found to prevent blackheads. 

But, there are so many more clay benefits for skin. Depending on your skin type and the type of clay you apply, you can experience these clay benefits: 

1. Unclog pores
2. Increase circulation to the skin
3. Reduce inflammation in the skin
4. Exfoliate the skin
5. Tone and tighten pores
6. Soften and smooth the skin
7. Hydrate and moisturize the skin
8. Absorb excess oil and balance oil production
9. Ease the effects of a sunburn
10.  Boost skin elasticity 

Which is the Best Clay for Skin?

Clay is quite a fun element to apply to your skin. And is simple to incorporate into your zero waste skin care routine. Not to mention, it’s very affordable too. 

But, with so many clay types it can be hard to figure out which is going to give you the best results. Some clay types are too porous for dry and mature skin types, yet are incredible for oily and combination skin types. 

So, which clay is best for skin?

Let me point you in the right direction with an in-depth look at each type of clay for skin. We’ll cover where each comes from, what each clay type is made of, how clay benefits the skin, and what skin type is recommended for use.   

To begin you’ll need to determine your skin type first. Take our quick Skin Type Quiz! 

Finding the Best Clay Types for Your Skin Type

Kaolin Clay

Derived from China, kaolin is a white clay consisting of essential nutrients and phytonutrients for healthy skin. This very fine, lightweight clay is made of the mineral kaolinite. 

It is a common ingredient in many products including deodorant, baby powder, mineral makeup, and beauty masks. Kaolin clay is most known for aiding in the consistency of the products above as well as absorbing excess oil. 

French Green Clay

Loved for its ability to pull toxins from the skin by the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians French green clay is the powerhouse of the clay world! Containing magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, dolomite, silica, calcium, and phosphorus, french green clay cleanses the pores and boosts blood flow to the surface of the skin. In fact, many note having bright pink skin for at least 20 minutes after applying a French green clay mask. 

Is French green clay green? The clay is actually green, made by plant matter and iron oxide. This clay is highly recommended for oily and combination skin types due to its detoxifying properties. But can be just as beneficial for a  normal skin type. 

French Rose Clay

Also known as pink clay and pink kaolin, it is the mildest of all clays for the skin. French rose clay gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin without leaving the skin overly sensitive. 

High in iron oxide and silica, French rose clay helps to regenerate skin tissue, boosts cell renewal, and improves circulation to the skin for a healthier, youthful glow. How’s that for a clean beauty ingredient?!!

Bentonite Clay 

Formed from volcanic ash, bentonite clay is THE MOST WIDELY USED CLAY.

Its namesake comes from a large deposit discovered in Fort Benton, Wyoming. Bentonite clay has a negative electric charge that bonds to the gunk in your pores like a magnet. This charge lends to the ability to pull oil and impurities from the skin. Ideal for oily and combination skin types, however, it can be useful for a normal skin type as well. 

Moroccan Rhassoul Clay

As the name suggests, Moroccan Rhassoul clay is mined from the Atlas mountains of Morocco. And Rhassoul comes from the Arabic word “Rhassala” meaning – wash or washing. Did you know this rose-colored clay has been in use for the last 14 centuries? 

Like all the other clay types it has the ability to clarify the skin, unclogging pores, and removing blackheads while providing many more skin-nourishing clay benefits due to its high mineral content. 

For example, Moroccan Rhassoul clay has the highest content of calcium, magnesium, silica, and potassium. All of which lends to its ability to improve the skin’s elasticity, tighten pores, calm inflammation, and greatly reduce dryness. 

What does this clay do for the skin? Moroccan Rhassoul clay swells when water is added to it which helps the skin to retain moisture. Thus bringing balance to the skin for a revitalized appearance. 

How to Use Clay Masks for Your Skin Type

When it comes to creating a DIY clay mask for your skin type the process is simple. Start by choosing one of the recommended clay for skin types above. 

Scoop one tablespoon of clay into a small bowl. Then add approximately  ½ tablespoon of one of the following to the clay until thick paste forms:

• Filtered water
• Hydrosol 
• Aloe Vera Gel or Juice
• Avocado
• Witch Hazel
• Apple Cider
• Banana
• Honey
• Grapeseed Oil
• Micellar Water 

*Note avoid metal utensils or bowls when working with bentonite clay as it can reduce its effectiveness. 

Using clean hands or a beauty spatula apply to the face in a thin layer, avoiding the eye area. Leave a clay face mask on just until it begins to dry. 

QUICK TIP: Clay masks are only actively working when they are wet. To extend the time of activeness apply a face mask while soaking in a steamy bath or in the shower away from direct shower spray. Or spritz with a face mist or DIY hydrosol to keep it working longer outside of the bath or shower. 

After gently rinse with cool water and a washcloth. I like to use my homemade toner or micellar water to remove face masks.  Pat dry and follow up with a moisturizer such as my popular aloe vera face cream. 

Can you use a clay mask everyday?

In my experience as long as you choose your clay mask ingredients wisely and remove it before it completely dries you can use it often as you like. 

But, unless you’re dealing with a massive breakout or blackheads that just don’t seem to release, using a clay mask once a week in your skincare routine will be beneficial. 

I’ve found using clay for the skin to be an effective and transforming remedy for preventing blackheads and blemishes in my combination skin. But, no matter your skin type, I know you’ll find a clay for you! 

What clay types have you tried? I love to hear about it, share in the comments below or tag #lifenreflection on Instagram to share it with us!