Green Clay : Benefits and uses in natural cosmetics and health

It is not for nothing that green clay is the best known of all clays. Green clay of the Illite Montmorillonite type is the most absorbent and adsorbent of clays. Composed of hydrated aluminum silicates and rich in minerals, it is its particular structure that gives it its much sought after properties. Green clay is the major clay to use in clay therapy. As a poultice or clay bath, it relieves rheumatism, wounds and helps circulation in case of hematoma. Widely used in cosmetics, in masks for oily skin and hair in particular, green clay is also recognized as a treatment for wrinkles. INCI name: Illite, Kaolinite, Montmorillonite. Origin: France.

Modes of use of clays

In cosmetic care
  • Mask for skin or hair;
  • Exfoliating care;
  • Mud bath.
In therapeutic care
  • Cataplasm ;
  • Clay water;
  • Clay water.

For oily and acne-prone skin

Velay green clay has absorbent and adsorbent capabilities useful for regulating the amount of sebum excreted by the skin. An in vivo study of 20 subjects conducted through sebum secretion measurements via a sebum meter, revealed an 86% reduction in the amount of sebum after applying a mask for 10 minutes. Scientific studies have also revealed that Velay green clay has interesting anti-inflammatory effects in cases of acne, for example, or more broadly in cases of skin problems. This anti-inflammatory effect seems comparable to a drug molecule, indomethacin. The clay thanks to its cleansing and absorbing properties will also limit the infection.

  • Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to spread in a thin layer on the skin weekly. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
  • Complementary essential and vegetable oils: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Jojoba vegetable oil and 2-3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to the clay paste.

In case of wrinkles

Velay green clay has been the subject of scientific studies particularly on its regenerating, anti-aging and healing properties. The results have been very conclusive since cell regeneration seems to increase by more than 40% with Velay green clay. In addition, an increase in type 1 collagen synthesis was observed as well as improved cell migration. Furthermore, another study reveals that the application of a mask applied for 20 minutes on the face induces an increase in skin elasticity of 14% on average.

  • Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to spread in a thin layer on the skin weekly. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
  • Complementary essential and vegetable oils: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Rose Hip or Apricot Kernel vegetable oil and 2-3 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil to the clay paste.

For oily hair

In the same way as mentioned for oily skin, the green clay of Velay acts on oily hair.

Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to spread on the hair weekly. Massage then leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse.

In case of rheumatism, back pain

In cases of rheumatism, the anti-inflammatory properties of Velay green clay are undeniably useful. Its use in regular poultices helps relieve pain due to inflammation. Often used in thermal cure centers, clay is usually applied in large quantities in clay mud or in baths, The mixture of clay and thermal water increases the benefits of care.

Use in cataplasm: make a paste of homogeneous clay (water + clay) to spread in thick cataplasm on the area to relieve. Let stand 1 hour before rinsing. In case of rheumatism, prefer a warm, warm water. If the area is swollen and inflamed, prefer a cold clay poultice.

In case of wound, burn, eschar, cyst, splinter

The clays have absorbing powers, they allow to clean wounds by absorbing impurities, to reduce masses, etc...

Use in cataplasm: make a paste of homogeneous clay (water + clay) to spread in thick cataplasm on the area to relieve. Let stand 1 hour before rinsing. You can put a compress on the affected area before applying the poultice. To be repeated several times a day during several days.

Against hematomas, bruises

The clay allows to resorb the oedemas and the hematomas by its capacities of absorption.

  • Use in cataplasm: make a paste of homogeneous clay (water + clay) to spread in thick cataplasm on the area in question. Let stand 1 hour before rinsing. Repeat several times a day for several days.
  • Complementary essential oil: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of essential oil of Italian Helichrysum to the clay paste.

Against diarrhea

By oral way, the capacity of absorption of water of the green clay of Velay explains all its interest to use it in case of diarrhoeas. It is also used in the composition of several pharmaceutical preparations such as the well-known Smecta. In addition to absorbing water, clay absorbs toxins and the pathogenic flora that goes with them. Clays also have a covering power, protecting the digestive mucosa.

Use in ingestion: ingest a glass of clay water (a glass of water + a teaspoon of clay) and then glasses of clay water (supernatant from a glass of clay water after a few hours break) until improvement. It is possible to ingest 4 to 5 glasses per day and it is recommended to space out the doses and to decrease them as you go along.

Main properties of Green Clay

  • Absorbent, cleansing, adsorbent: green clay is particularly adsorbent and absorbent. It can capture many impurities, bacteria and other parasites at the skin level. Its properties allow a cleaning of the skin and absorption of excess sebum. Its properties come from its structure in sheets separated by interfoliar spaces.
  • Exfoliating: The powdery appearance of the clay and its granulometry give it cleansing and exfoliating properties ideal for skin scrubs.
  • Regenerating, anti-aging: Green clay is known for its skin regenerating properties; it has healing, detoxifying, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. It guarantees an improvement in collagen synthesis for a recognized anti-wrinkle effect.
  • Detoxifying, remineralizing: The richness of minerals in clays and particularly in silicon, gives a strong remineralizing and anti-inflammatory power. Green clay is guaranteed 100% natural and rich in minerals and trace elements. Its purity is optimal, without quartz.
  • Deodorant: green clay from its absorbent properties also has an interesting deodorizing effectiveness. It can neutralize odors thus justifying its application as an ingredient in a deodorant for example.
  • For oily skin: green clay is known for its cleansing and drying properties. It is most suitable for oily skin due to its absorbent properties that will regulate excess sebum.
  • For normal, combination skin: green clay is also suitable for normal combination skin.
  • For oily hair: some scalps tend to secrete much more sebum than others, consequence: oily roots! Green clay is the most absorbent of clays. It is able to regulate excess sebum to limit greasy hair.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic characteristics
  • Skin type: any skin type, but special mention for oily, acneic and mature skin
  • Hair type: Oily hair
Mineralogical characteristics
  • INCI name: Illite, Kaolinite, Montmorillonite
  • Country of origin : France

Physical Characteristics
  • Humidity: < 8
  • Particle size: 90% < 77 μm / 100% < 100 μm
  • pH : 8 to 9
  • CEC: 20-25 meq/100 g
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance : superfine powder
  • Color: green-gray
  • Odor: odorless
Composition
  • Illite : 75% ± 10
  • Kaolin: 19% ± 5
  • Montmorillonite : 6% ± 3
  • Quartz : none
  • Pb < 20 ppm
  • As < 15 ppm
  • Cd < 0.2 ppm
  • Hg < 0.01 ppm

Precautions for use

  • Ingesting, people prone to constipation should not use clays. Their use is also contraindicated in people with a digestive hernia, in cases of high blood pressure, a history of intestinal obstruction or nausea. Beware, ingestion of clay can counteract the effects of drug treatments. It is important to drink enough water during a clay treatment.
  • By skin, clay should not be reused, be sure to discard a clay that has already been used. Avoid letting a clay dry. Rinse with clear, cold or warm water. On the most hairy parts of the body, for maximum comfort, place a compress between the clay poultice and the skin.
  • When handling, beware of air currents, the clay is powdery. It should not be inhaled. In case of excessive inhalation, it is important to get fresh air. In case of contact with eyes or mucous membranes, rinse thoroughly with water. Caution, when handling clays, do not use metal utensils, they would lose much of their effectiveness.
  • Pregnant and nursing women and young children should seek medical advice before use.
  • Store preferably in a dry place, away from light and heat.
Green Clay Illite Surfine powder

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The company of the senses and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice delivered are taken from a reference bibliographic base (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to propose avenues of reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, a consultation or a medical follow-up, and cannot engage the responsibility of The company of the senses.