We've gone over individual clays a bit in the past, but more and more we get questions about how to use Cosmetic Clays in general. There are several basic techniques and recipes that you can use to include Clay in soap making, facial care, and body care. Choosing which clay to use will depend on your skin type, and the product's intended purpose. Clays range quite a bit in strength, so it's important to tailor your recipe to your skin's sensitivity and moisture level. If you use a Clay that is too strong, or if you over-use a clay-based recipe you can dry out your skin. It's a good idea to follow up any Clay treatment with a suitable moisturizer. Your skin will be thirsty after using deep-cleaning Cosmetic Clay.
Clay Facials (Masks)
Clay Facials can be made very simply. Start with one tablespoon of Clay, then add just enough water to form a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to clean, moistened skin, then allow it to dry for five to fifteen minutes. Exactly how long depends on the strength of the Clay and the sensitivity and moisture level of your skin.
To customize the recipe further, try swapping out the water for a more interesting liquid. Any skin-safe, water-based liquid will do. Some other suggestions: Hydrosols, Aloe Vera Gel, fresh fruit juice, dairy products, teas, or herbal infusions.
There are a number of additives that can also be added to clay facial recipes. Try adding a few drops of Essential Oil or CO2 Extract. These powerful plant-based extracts can help customize recipes to target specific skin issues such as acne, eczema, or rosacea. Carrier Oils can be used to add moisturizing benefits that can help offset the drying power of the Clay. Powdered Herbal Extracts, Dried Herbs, Grain Products, or Sea Vegetables are some other great additives for Clay Facial recipes. Additives can allow you to customize facials to suit particular skin types. Try blending a recipe specifically for combination skin, mature skin, or sensitive skin.
Body Masks, Ubtans, and Wraps
Cosmetic Clay is a main ingredient in a variety of deep-cleansing body care recipes. Body masks can be made in the same way that Clay Facials are created. In fact, all you need to do is make a larger batch of your favorite Clay Facial recipe. You can also formulate a special recipe to target issues specific to different areas of your body.
Ubtans are exfoliating facial and body masks that originated in India. An ubtan is traditionally composed of a ingredients like Cosmetic Clay, Almond Meal, Chickpea Flour, Whole Milk or Yogurt, and Rose Petal Powder. Ayurvedic Herbs can also be added to enhance the ubtan. Like a mask, the ubtan is applied all over the skin. Before it is rinsed, the ubtan should be rubbed and massaged, providing gentle exfoliation.
Body Wraps start with a hefty portion of Clay, combined with a concoction of ingredients intended to cleanse the body inside and out. Body Wraps are used to increase circulation, mobilize fat and toxins, and detoxify the skin. In addition to Clay, they often include a variety of Herbs, Sea Vegetables, and Essential Oils. You can learn how to create your own customized Body Wrap recipe in From Nature With Love's Body Wrap Section.
Cleansers, Soaps, and Scrubs
Cosmetic Clay makes an excellent additive in a variety of cleansing recipes. In facial cleansers, the addition of Clay can help combat excess oil and draw out dirt and toxins from the skin. Clay can be used as a main ingredient in a facial cleanser, or as an additive. You can make a simple facial cleanser by combining one tablespoon of Cosmetic Clay with equal parts Adzuki Bean Powder, Whole Milk Powder, and Chamomile Powder. Add water to the mixture to form a smooth paste, then use it as a gentle scrub.
Clay is often added to both cold process and melt & pour soap to increase lather and exfoliation. In scrubs, Clay can be used to add deep cleansing power as well as subtle color. It is a popular acne-fighting additive for all of these types of formulations. Try adding one to two tablespoons of Clay per pound of soap.
Types of Cosmetic Clays
Keep in mind that you should always be purchasing Cosmetic-Grade Clay for skin care and soap making. Other grades of clay that are intended for crafts and industrial applications can contain skin-toxic components such as heavy metals. Cosmetic-Grade Clay has been specially refined and formulated for use in personal care products, and is the only type of Clay that should ever be used in soaps, skin care, oral care, or hair care.
Visit our Clays Section on From Nature With Love to learn more about each type of Cosmetic Clay. To experiment with them all at once, check out our Clay Sampler Pack! This variety pack contains two ounces of each of our Cosmetic Clays, allowing you to try them all.
