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Caramel clay is a blend of Illite clay, Kaolin and Montmorillonite, so it has effective absorption and adsorption properties. Known for its regenerating and nourishing properties, caramel clay is ideal for cosmetic care. As a skin or hair care product, it detoxifies and hydrates. It is also used in makeup, thanks to its mattifying effect and its caramel color giving a tanned effect. INCI name: Illite, Kaolin, Montmorillonite. Origin: France.
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Methods of using clays
In cosmetic care
- Mask for skin or hair;
- Exfoliating treatment;
- Mudbath.
In therapeutic care
- Poultice;
- Clay water;
- Clay water.
For combination skin
Caramel clay is ideal for combination skin, thanks to its absorbent and cleansing properties it helps maintain balanced skin by regulating excess sebum while mattifying the skin. Detoxifying and adsorbent, it will help clean and purify the skin deeply, while avoiding dehydration.
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Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste to distribute in a thin layer on the skin, leave for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse. To do once a week.
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Complementary hydrosol and vegetable oil: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Jojoba vegetable oil or Orange Blossom hydrosol to your paste for example.
For fragile or blotchy skin
Caramel clay is also very effective for fragile or blotchy skin, thanks to its healing and skin regenerating properties. It will thus make it possible to revitalize and regenerate the skin, while limiting the release of impurities to maintain a healthy skin. Nourishing, it will also allowsoften and D'moisturize the skin.
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Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste to distribute in a thin layer on the skin and in the affected areas weekly, leave on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
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Complementary essential oil: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Italian Helichrysum essential oil to your preparation in case of rosacea.
For sensitive hair
Caramel clay can be used in hair care, particularly to support sensitive hair. Detoxifying and adsorbent, it will capture impurities to purify the scalp andsoften thanks to its nourishing property.
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Use as a mask: make a clay paste and distribute over the entire scalp and hair as a mask. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
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Complementary essential and vegetable oils: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Fine Lavender essential oil or Sweet Almond oil to the mask.
Inasmuch as base for makeup
Caramel clay is ideal in makeup, notably thanks to its property mattifying and its color which brings out the natural radiance of the skin while providing a tanned effect.
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Powder use: powder the face for a mattified and tanned complexion, like with a loose powder.
Main properties of Caramel Clay
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Detoxifying and adsorbent: caramel clay will be adsorbent, cleansing and purifying. It allows impurities, bacteria and other parasites to be captured at the skin level and thus cleanses the skin deeply.
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Mattifying and absorbent: perfect for all skin types, especially combination skin. Caramel clay will, thanks to its absorbent action, have an excellent balancing effect, thus regulating sebum secretion and mattifying the skin.
- Healing and regenerating: caramel clay helps revitalize and regenerate the skin while bringing out a natural glow in the skin.
- Nourishing: caramel clay maintains skin hydration while being softening, particularly in hair care.
- Antibacterial : caramel clay limits the proliferation of impurities and thus helps maintain healthy skin.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: all skin types, but special mention for combination, fragile and blotchy skin
- Hair type: all hair, but particularly suitable for sensitive hair
Mineralogical characteristics
- INCI name: Illite, Kaolin and Montmorillonite
- Country of origin: France
Physical characteristics
- Humidity: <8%
- Particle size: 90% < 100 µm / 100% < 150 µm
- pH: 8 to 9
- CEC: 15 meq/100 g
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: superfine powder
- Brown color
- Odor: odorless
Composition
- Illite: 60% ± 5
- Kaolin: 25% ± 3
- Montmorillonite: 15% ± 3
- Quartz: none
- Pb < 10 ppm
- Ace < 10 ppm
- CD < 0.2 ppm
- Hg < 0.05 ppm
Precautions for use
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children should seek medical advice before use.
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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/