Green clay benefits

Green clay is one of the most popular clays used in beauty treatments. Often, green clay is referred to as French clay, because the natural minerals which give this mud its colour were first found in France. Today, you can purchase green clay face masks that are sourced from all around the world. However, French green clays are still prized as a luxury item, as they typically contain more naturally-occurring minerals than other green clays.

Green clays are technically called Illite clays, and they’re sourced from marine waters or mineral springs. Illites get their bright green colour from decomposed marine flora, like algae and chlorophyll. They’re also well-known for containing a variety of other minerals, including zinc oxides, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus¹. The more vibrant the colour, the more expensive the green clay is, as colour vibrancy is believed to indicate a high mineral content.

There’s not a lot of scientific evidence supporting the beauty benefits of green clay, except one study which suggests green clay can halt bacteria growth². That study deduced that topically applying green clay could help manage ulcers and other skin complaints.

Before applying green clay, make sure your skin is cleansed. Wash your face with your usual cleanser, perhaps using a flannel to ensure you’ve removed all soap and impurities. Pat your skin dry, then apply your green clay mask while your skin is still damp. Leave the mask on for around ten minutes. As soon as the clay feels tight, rinse it off, as it can dry skin out if left on too long. After drying, complete your regular skincare routine and enjoy the benefits of bright, clean skin.