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Have you ever wondered some clay masks make your skin feels cleansed and fresh but some make you feel tight and dry? That’s because not all clay is equal. In this post, I’ll go over some common types you’ll find in ready-made clay masks and also a couple of products that have a high content of that specific clay type.

What is clay?

Clay is a natural earthy material rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, silica, and potassium and it can be found in soil horizons, continental and marine sediments, geothermal fields, volcanic deposits, and weathered rock formations.

Benefits of Clay

Most clays share similar benefits such as:

• detoxifying and purifying the skin by drawing out impurities and exfoliating the skin;
• regulating oil production and unclogging pores;
• increasing blood circulation by oxygenating the cells;
• invigorating and regenerating the skin resulting in a reduction in irritation and inflammation.

Some clays are more suitable for some skin types than others. We’ll look at the different types of clays and see which one is right for your skin type.

Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay is one of the most versatile clays, it’s not the most absorbent but its gentle and mild nature makes it suitable for all skin types especially those who are sensitive and super dry. As this is the least drying, it’s great for gentle exfoliation and oil-absorption keeping the skin from being irritated while balancing out the skin. It comes in a variety of colours: white, yellow, pink and red with varying degree of absorbency. (With white being the least absorbent to red with the strongest absorbing power)

When you use products with Kaolin, your skin should have a gentle refreshed feeling and not drying. 

Clay masks with high content of Kaolin:

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Bentonite clay

Bentonite (also known as Montmorillonite), one of the most popular clays, has high absorbing abilities which are particularly good for treating acne breakouts and oily skin. The powerful deep cleansing clay can help to unclog pores and tighten skin, and it may also have a calming effect on inflamed breakouts. What’s interesting is that when bentonite is mixed with liquid, it swells up like a sponge so it’s great for drawing out toxins and excess sebum. The clay has a slightly grainy texture with a neutral scent and a pale, off-white colour.

Clay masks with high content of Bentonite:

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French Green Clay

French green clay (often called Illite Clay or Sea Clay) is beneficial in removing impurities and tightening the pores, toning the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing inflammation in acne. It works by absorbing the excess oils that clog the pores and lead to acne and imperfections, and the texture itself works as an exfoliator to deep cleanse and refine complexions. This fine-textured clay has a neutral earthy aroma and pale green colour. It is ideal for normal to oily congested skin looking for restoring balance to the skin.

Clay masks with high content of Illite:

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Rhassoul Clay

Rhassoul Clay (Ghassoul or Moroccan lava clay) is gentler than many other clays, suitable for all skin types including sensitive and mature. It has an abundance of benefits—from cleansing and buffing away dead, flaky skin to boosting elasticity, improving tone, and controlling sebum. This clay has a light reddish-brown colour and a fine texture.

Clay masks with high content of Rhassoul:

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Pink Clay

Pink clay (also known as rose clay) is perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. It is a mix of white and red clay so it has the benefits of both. Rich in minerals, it helps to restore and rejuvenate skin with moisture while drawing out impurities with light exfoliating properties. This clay keeps the skin balanced and comfortable instead of removing its natural oils which is why this is perfect for drier skin types. Other benefits include reducing irritation and inflammation whilst promoting healthy cell turnover.

In the pink clay family, you are likely going to find French pink clay and Australia pink clay. While they share similar characteristics, the minerals found in French pink clay are iron, illite, montmorillonite and calcite whereas Australian pink clay contains a completely different set of minerals, silica, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Australian pink clay offers more on anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits.

Clay masks with high content of pink clay:

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Fuller’s Earth Clay

For those very oily skin, Fuller’s Earth clay (also called Solum Fullonum) is the one for you because of its excellent oil-absorbing abilities. It is good at balancing sebum production and stagnation in the skin that contributes to acne. With its mild lightening and brightening properties, this clay has the ability to tackle discolouration and hyperpigmentation concerns and help with a brighter and more even skin tone. This clay has a natural cooling effect making it perfect for calming down inflammation or painful skin concerns as well.

Clay masks with high content of Fuller’s Earth Clay:

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Still not sure which type?

If you are still not sure which type of clay suits you, then you can head over to Animundi.co.uk and do a skin quiz on your skin type, concerns and skin goals, they will be able to tell you the type of clay (along with ingredients) that are suitable for your needs. Want to know all the details? Head over to my review post. I can’t recommend them enough for having such a unique service.

Available £27/50ml – (Animundi)

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Final thoughts

During my research in finding the products with specific clay types, I’ve come across most clay masks are formulated with at least 2 or 3 types of clay with Kaolin and Bentonite being the popular duo. If you have multiple skin concerns, it’s important to check the ingredient list to be sure you are getting the right ones.