Alison LeifsenThe beauty benefits of red clay
The use of natural clay in cosmetic products is on the up. A quick Google search will display hundreds of products made with clay, including natural soaps, cleansers, and face masks. So what's all the hype about? Read on to discover the beauty benefits of red clay.
Rich in natural minerals, clays are derived from volcanic ash, rocks, or soil. Red clay is a naturally-occuring element that gets its rich red colour thanks to its high content of iron oxide, a natural element found in rocks and volcanic deposits.
When used in skincare, red clay is a highly effective cleanser, while being gentle on the skin. It gently buffs away dead skin cells - that's why it's such a widely-used ingredient in soaps and cleansers. Red clay is particularly suited to oily/normal skin as it absorbs bacteria and impurities to detoxify the skin. The result? A healthy, radiant glow.
French red clay handcrafted soap
We've included French red clay in a new soap on our website, Lava Lush. Our red clay is Ecocert Greenlife and Cosmos approved and it gives this bar its rich earthy colour while enhancing the cleansing properties of the soap. We also find that the clay produces a thick, creamy lather that feels wonderfully silky and smooth on the skin. This soap is packed with mineral-rich Dead Sea salt which acts as a natural exfoliant, and activated charcoal which absorbs excess oils and bacteria. This natural soap is great for all skin types but is especially suited to oily skin.
Other uses for red clay
Use as a face mask
When used as a face mask, red clay will cleanse and tone the skin as well as reduce redness and brighten the skin. To make a face mask, mix equal amounts of red clay, mineral water, and honey into a paste and smooth onto the skin. Leave on until the mask hardens and then rinse with warm water.
Use as a mineral bath soak
Use red clay in a bath to remove toxins from the skin, cleanse pores, and soothe irritated skin. Simply add half a cup of red clay powder to a warm bath and relax for around 20 minutes, and then shower off any clay residue.
Use as a hair mask
Red clay will effectively clean, condition, and detoxify your hair too! Due to its mineral-rich makeup, red clay deeply nourishes the hair and scalp, reduces frizz, and can even reduce dandruff. To make a simple hair mask, mix equal parts of red clay and mineral water into a paste and apply to the scalp and hair. Leave on for 5 minutes (do not allow the mask to harden) and then rinse in warm water. Most suitable for darker coloured hair due to the natural colour of the clay.