Clay has been used for centuries in beauty rituals due to its numerous benefits for the skin. But what makes clay such a powerful ingredient in skincare products? Let's dive into the science behind clay and its role in beauty rituals.
What is Clay?
Clay is a natural mineral that is formed from the breakdown of rocks. It is rich in minerals like silica, magnesium, calcium, and iron, which are beneficial for the skin. There are different types of clay, each with its own unique properties and benefits for the skin.
How Does Clay Benefit the Skin?
Clay has the ability to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, brighter complexion.
Clay in Beauty Rituals
Clay masks are a common beauty ritual that involves applying a thick layer of clay to the skin and allowing it to dry before rinsing it off. This process helps to detoxify the skin, unclog pores, and improve overall skin texture. Many people also use clay in their bath water to soothe and nourish the skin.
Choosing the Right Clay for Your Skin Type
Not all clays are created equal, and different types of clay are better suited for different skin types. For example, kaolin clay is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, while bentonite clay is more powerful and ideal for oily skin. It's important to choose a clay that matches your skin type to maximize its benefits.
Integrating Clay into Your Skincare Routine
If you're looking to incorporate clay into your skincare routine, consider using a clay mask once or twice a week to purify and revitalize your skin. You can also look for skincare products that contain clay as an ingredient, such as cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers.
Overall, clay is a versatile and effective ingredient in beauty rituals, offering a wide range of benefits for the skin. By understanding the science behind clay and how it works, you can make informed decisions about incorporating this natural mineral into your skincare routine.
Clay: More than skincare
Not only was clay used for its skin benefits but many cultures also used clay for ritual and spirituality in different ways. The Indigenous of the American Southwest used clay in their face and body paint for ritual purposes. Many cultures used clay to make mini deity figurines that were then offered in temples to the deity it represented. Clay was used in funeral rites in the form of pottery and the Canopic jars that held the departed soul’s organs of Ancient Egypt were made of this grounding substance. In ancient Mesopotamia clay tablets were used for record keeping. And in both Egypt and Mesopotamia clay was used to make stills for the distillation of aromatic waters and essential oils.
As you can see this magical substance has been utilized by humans for centuries. But as the Industrial Revolution boomed in the West much of our natural skincare ingredients were traded for synthetic man-made or petroleum derived ingredients. It wasn’t until around the 1920s that clay in skincare became popular during the beauty craze at the time. I find it quite peculiar that through the Industrial Revolution people wanted science-backed skincare. Which led to the use of more synthetic ingredients that had however, a longer shelf life, were mass-produced and had lower production costs. The façade didn’t last though and some like-minded people (maybe not the masses yet) looked back to nature for skincare ingredients.
I love to use different hydrosols and essential oils in different clays to get the results I am looking for. Rose hydrosol is cell regenerating and cooling for instance, a great choice for summertime masks. Tulsi or Basil hydrosol can be used to make a mask for troubled skin. If you want to use essential oils I recommend 1-2 drops and that is it! They are very potent and only a very small amount is needed to get their benefits.
Taking time to do a clay mask or any clay treatment is easily made into a self-care routine/ritual or used in a bath before ritual work to cleanse both body and aura.
Tailor it to your liking and feel the magick grow…
Types of Clay
Bentonite Clay | Oily, Acne prone skin
TypesFrench Green Clay | Inflammation, Aging
Kaolin Clay | Sensitive, Dry
Rhassoul Clay | Combination, Mature
Fuller’s Earth | Oily & acne skin, Skin lightening + reduces pigmentation
Brazilian Purple Clay | Contributes to healthy skin cell function, revitalizing, soothing
Beauty & Aura Ritual
This beauty and aura ritual includes taking a bath. If you want to shorten your ritual then just do the facial part. But be sure that the entire ritual is deeply calming and restoring and should be enjoyed every now and then especially when you need a rest from the world to recharge.
Gather the following items:
A bathrobe + towel
Candles + lighter or matches
Crystals and gems
Clay bath + essential oils (if using) + small saucer of milk
Herbal Bath tea (ideas below)
Clay Mask + a Hydrosol or juice or water + essential oils (if using)
Bowl + spoon for mixing the mask
Journal + writing utensil
Music if desired
Glass of tea or water to stay hydrated
Anything else you desire
Once everything is set to how you want it and you have set aside time for your ritual brew your herbal bath tea. Turn your music on. Light your candles.
As your tea brews for 5-7 minutes take some time to gather up your energy.
Close your eyes, take at least three deep breaths and allow yourself to just be in the moment of now. Empty your mind. Sit in this quiet until your tea is done.
Run your bath and pour herbal bath tea and the clay bath into the water. Swish around to mix. At this point if you want to add any essential oils to the bath mix them into a little saucer of milk, and then add to the bath.
Mix up your face mask. Apply your face mask and sink into the healing waters you just created. Soak for 15-20 minutes.
When you feel ready, towel dry and wrap yourself in your robe and grab your glass of water or tea, for another 15-20 minutes relax and if you feel called, journal, read a book or pull some tarot cards.
Ease into your day or into your night. Enjoy!
Clay Facial Mask Recipes
Basic Clay Mask Recipe
1 Tbsp. of clay
1 Tbsp. of water, hydrosol, juice
1 to 2 drops of essential oils
Oily-acne prone skin
2 tablespoons Rhassoul Clay
3 tablespoons Tulsi Hydrosol
1 teaspoon mashed avocado (balances oil in the skin)
Wash off after 15-20 minutes
Normal to Oily skin
1 Tbsp. French green clay
2 Tbsp. Raw apple cider vinegar
1 drop Frankincense essential oil
Wash mask off after 10 minutes.
Mature Skin
1/2 Tbsp. Purple Clay
1/2 Tbsp. Rhassoul Clay
1 Tbsp. Rose hydrosol
Continue to add liquid until you reach a mud-like consistency.
Wash or rinse face so it is damp to the touch but not sopping wet. Apply mud to face with a face brush and allow to dry for 15-20 minutes. Using a soft cloth rinse face.
At this point you will want to hydrate & moisturize and you have many options! Apply your favorite cream OR drop 3 or 4 drops of your favorite facial oil to the palm of your hand. Spritz your chosen hydrosol 3 or 4 times on top of your oil and rub your palms together. Apply this emulsion to face and neck.
Clay Bath Recipe | Tranquil Sanctuary
2 cups Epsom salts
½ cup Bentonite Clay
¼ cup Dead Sea Salt
2 Tbsp. Rose powder
1 Tbsp. any milk
10 drops Lavender Essential oil
5 drops Frankincense Essential oil
3 drops Jasmine essential oil or absolute
Mix dry ingredients and store in an airtight container with a clear label. Add ¼ cup to your bath water.
In a small saucer combine the milk and essential oils. Add to your bath and swirl.
Herbal Bath Tea Recipes
Using a 16 oz. French press, pour boiling water over ¼ cup of tea and let steep for 5-7 minutes. Press down plunger and it’s ready to pour into your bath.
Tranquil Sanctuary
All herbs are dried and ideally organic.
2 parts Rose petals
2 parts Lavender buds
1 part Chamomile flowers
1 part Calendula petals
1/3 part Lemon Balm leaves
Arise and Shine
All herbs are dried and ideally organic.
2 parts Peppermint leaves
2 parts Rosemary leaves
1 part Lemon Myrtle leaves
1/3 part Bergamot Peel
Soothe
All herbs are dried and ideally organic.
2 parts Colloidal Oatmeal
2 parts Rose petals
1 part Passionflower
1 part Lavender buds
1 part Elder flowers
In conclusion, clay is a versatile and effective ingredient that can benefit all skin types. Whether you are looking to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, or improve skin texture, incorporating clay into your beauty ritual can help you achieve healthier and more radiant skin.
Moon Wise Clay + Hydrosol Offerings
Read about our offerings by clicking the link.
Stardust Clay Cleanser + Exfoliator | Normal/Combination or Oily Skin options
Chamomile + Marshmallow Clay Cleanser + Exfoliator | All Skin Types
Rose Rain Hydrosol Toner | All Skin Types
Clear Skin Hydrosol Toner | Acne Prone + Oily Skin Types
Cucumber Rose Hydrosol Toner | All Skin Types
In mud and water,
Rachel, Herbalist + Owner
Moon Wise Herbals