Our blue clay is above all a superfine clay, a mixture of Montmorillonite and Illite clay, particularly rich in mineral salts. It has properties similar to green clay of the Illite Montmorillonite type, absorbent and adsorbent as desired. Blue clay is ideal for cosmetic treatments but also therapeutic treatments. Whether for the skin or hair, blue clay helps detoxify, cleanse and invigorate. It is also very popular in makeup or cosmetic products, thanks to its coloring property it will give a bluish green color to the formulations. INCI name: Montmorillonite, Illite. Origin: France.

This article was updated on 26/01/2024

Methods of using clays

In cosmetic care
  • Mask for skin or hair;
  • Exfoliating treatment;
  • Mudbath.
In therapeutic care
  • Poultice;
  • Clay water;
  • Clay water.

For oily and acne-prone skin

Montmorillonite Illite blue clay has abilities absorbent and adsorbent useful for regulating the quantity of sebum excreted by the skin thanks to its particular composition. Its properties will make it an excellent clay for cleansing the skin by eliminating impurities, dead skin and bacteria. In addition, it allowssoothe inflammation and redness visible in cases of acne. 

  • Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute 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 or Fine Lavender essential oil to the blue clay paste.

In case of wrinkles, dull complexion

Blue clay of the Montmorillonite Illite type is recognized for its skin regenerating properties and healing in the same way as an Illite green clay. It can therefore be used as a weekly mask to improve the appearance of the skin and restore healthy glow and radiance to the complexion

  • Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute 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 Rosehip vegetable oil or Prickly Pear Seed oil and 2-3 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil to the clay paste. 

For greasy, dull hair

In the same way as specified for oily skin, Blue clay is effective for oily hair. By eliminating impurities, hair will appear less dull and strengthened. 

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

In case of rheumatism, tendonitis

In cases of inflammation such as tendinitis or rheumatism, Blue clay will be effective when applied as a poultice. Its regular use allows relieve pain due to inflammation. Often used in thermal treatment centers, clay is generally applied in large quantities in clay mud or in a bath. The mixture of clay and thermal water increases the benefits of the treatments. Its absorbent capacities are closely linked to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Use as a poultice: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute as a thick poultice over the area to be relieved. Leave on for 1 hour before rinsing. In case of rheumatism, prefer hot, lukewarm water. If the area is swollen and inflamed, use a cold clay poultice.

In case of wound, burn, bedsore, cyst

Clays have absorbent powers, so they can clean wounds by absorbing impurities, reduce masses, etc.

Use as a poultice: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute as a thick poultice over the area to be relieved. Leave on for 1 hour before rinsing. You can place a compress on the affected area before applying the poultice. Repeat several times a day for several days.

Inasmuch as coloring in your cosmetic preparations

Blue clay has many advantages to add to your cosmetic preparations. In addition to adding color to your mixture, it will facilitate the diffusion of the water in your mixture into the skin, it has strong adhesion with the latter. Its consistency also makes it easier to use your preparations, whether for holding or spreading. It also has a thickening effect which can be very useful to your mixtures.
  • Uses: is added at 1 to 2% in your creams, shower gels, soaps, or even more in your shampoos, etc.

Main properties of Blue Clay

  • Detoxifying, absorbent and adsorbent : blue clay will be absorbent, cleansing and purifying. It helps capture a large number of impurities, bacteria and other parasites in the skin and thus improve the appearance of the skin. 

  • Anti-inflammatory and healing: blue clay will promote cell renewal and fight against inflammation.

  • Anti-acne : blue clay helps to deeply cleanse and combat the appearance of pimples and blackheads, while refining the skin's texture.

  • Colorant: the natural coloring of blue clay gives it interesting coloring properties, it will give a blue-green color to care or makeup formulations.

  • For oily hair: some scalps tend to secrete much more sebum than others, resulting in oily roots! The blue clay will thus clean the hair follicle, purify it, absorb and regulate excess sebum to limit oily hair. 

  • Anti dandruff : blue clay will also be suitable for eliminating dandruff.

  • Fabric softener : blue clay will add volume and shine to the hair.

Characteristics and composition

Cosmetic features
  • Skin type: all skin types, but special mention for oily, acne-prone skin and mature skin
  • Hair type: greasy, dull hair
Mineralogical characteristics
  • Inci name: montmorillonite, illite
  • Country of origin: France
Physical characteristics
  • Humidity: <8%
  • Particle size: 90% < 100 µm / 100% < 150 µm
  • pH: 8 to 9
  • CEC: 50 meq/100 g
Organoleptic characteristics
  • Appearance: superfine powder
  • Color: gray blue, green
  • Odor: odorless
Composition 
  • Montmorillonite: 55% ±3
  • Illite: 45% ±3
  • Quartz: none
Heavy metals controlled:
  • Pb < 35 ppm
  • Ace < 35 ppm
  • CD < 0.4 ppm
  • Hg < 0.05 ppm

Precautions for use

  • Ingestion, people subject 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 even nausea. Be careful, ingesting clay can counteract the effects of drug treatments. It is important to drink enough water during a clay treatment.

  • Dermal, clay should not be reused, be sure to throw away clay that has already been used. Avoid letting it dry a clay. Rinse with clean, cold or lukewarm water. On the hairiest parts of the body, for maximum comfort, place a compress between the clay poultice and the skin.

  • When handling, be careful of drafts as 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 with plenty of water. Be careful, when handling clays, do not use metal utensils, they will lose a large part of their effectiveness.

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children should seek medical advice before use.

  • Store preferably in a dry place, away from light and heat.

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Bibliography

Publication: Carretero, M.I. (2002). Clay minerals and their beneficial effects upon human health. A review. Applied Clay Science, 21(3-4), 155-163.

Publication: Hernot, F. (2006). Clay, its use in the pharmacy. http://dune.univ-angers.fr/fichiers/20073109/2016PPHA5426/fichier/5426F.pdf

Publication: Bernardos, A., Bozik, M., Alvarez, S., Saskova, M., Perez‐Esteve, E., Kloucek, P., . . . Martinez‐Manez, R. (2019). The efficacy of essential oil components loaded into montmorillonite against Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus. Flavor and Fragrance Journal, 34(3), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.3488

Work : Dextreit, R. (2010). The clay that heals: a guide to natural medicine. Escalquens, France: Living in harmony.

Work : Baudet, C. (2012). In shape thanks to clay! : Natural health and well-being. Mens, France: Terre Vivante Editions.

Website : https://www.rglayduvelay.com/fr/

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La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.