Clays
Absorbent mineral clays, such as kaolin and bentonite, used in masks to soak up excess oil and help keep pores clear.
clay, kaolin, white clay, bentonite, bentonite clay, montmorillonite, illite
Blemish-prone skin · Texture & large pores
What it does
One of the most popular types of mask, clay helps refine the look of pores and absorb excess oil and surface impurities, making it ideal for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin. The clays you’ll see most often on labels are kaolin, a soft white clay, and bentonite, a more absorbent clay formed from volcanic ash, along with others such as illite.
How it works
Clay’s absorbency makes it a wonderful mask. Its fine, absorbent particles soak up excess oil and surface debris as the mask sets, leaving the skin feeling clean, refreshed and temporarily tighter. Bentonite swells as it takes up water, so it absorbs more oil than kaolin, which is gentler and less drying.
MG says
For oilier skin types, stick to using bentonite clay due to its superior absorption and tightening effect. For drier or more sensitive skin types, white kaolin clay is a better option for a more gentle treatment. Whichever you choose, don’t let the mask dry and crack: mist it with a little water or essence as it sets and remove it while it’s still slightly damp, and on combination skin keep clay to the oilier T-zone.
Cautions
Clay masks can be drying, so use them one to three times a week, and less often on dry or sensitive skin. Remove the mask before it dries completely, and rinse it off straight away if it stings or burns.
