Using clay as part of your routine truly is a skincare game changer! If it isn’t already part of your routine, it's definitely time to start now. The clay mask we offer is the Brazilian Kaolin Clay. This under-the-radar beauty product poses a wide variety of skincare benefits and is only available to purchase in the UK here at Amazônia Essentials.
What is Kaolin Clay?
Kaolin Clay, also known as White Clay or China clay, is a cosmetic mineral clay that is rich in silica with a neutral pH. Kaolin clay can be found all over the world from China to Brazil - and of course ours is from Brazil. In its purest form, Kaolin clay has a bright white colour but you can also find naturally coloured versions depending on the mineral content on the areas where it is mined. Kaolin clay is mainly used as a face mask, but it can be incorporated into your beauty routine in several different ways.
In this blog, we will list all the benefits of Brazilian Kaolin Clay and tips on how to use it.
What's the difference between Brazilian Kaolin Clay and Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is one of the most popular clays used in skincare and it is often referred to as ''clay'' on most products. It is found in the US and it is usually formed by weathered volcanic ash in the presence of water. The most common types are sodium and calcium bentonite. Bentonite clay has a light grey colour and it is mostly used as a mask mixed with water to help people treat acne and oily skin.
The huge difference between the different clays on the market is the water absorption ability. The higher the absorption level, the more moisture the clay takes out of your skin.
- Bentonite Clay - absorbs 300-700% water
- Illite Clay (French) - 150%-200% water
- Kaolin Clay (Brazilian) - 65% water
Bentonite clay absorbs 300-700% water which is a lot more than its own weight in fluid, this is why it can be really drying with an uncomfortable texture, this also means that it will not just absorb any excess oils, but all the necessary fluids that keep the skin moist and healthy. In comparison, the French Illite clay absorbs 150-200% water while the Brazilian Kaolin clay mask absorbs only 65% water. Kaolin clay is able to help fight acne by reducing the oil levels on your skin - without leaving it dry and unhealthy.
There is also a difference in the pH of each clay type, any product applied to the skin must generally have a pH of 5 - 5.5 so as to not irritate the skin.
- Calcium Bentonite clay (Aztec secret): pH 8 - 9.7
- Sodium Bentonite clay: pH 9
- French Illite: pH 7.75
- Rhassoul (Red Moroccan) : pH 7 - 7.5
- Brazilian Kaolin: pH 6
This pH classification shows that once again, the Brazilian Kaolin clay is the less irritating clay to use and it can also be more safe depending on the ingredients you are mixing it with. When the pH level on your skin is too high, it is not able to effectively combat harmful microbes and free radicals which has been shown to speed up the ageing process. By using Kaolin clay, you are keeping your skin at an optimal pH level, reducing damage and maintaining healthy skin.
What are the benefits of Brazilian Kaolin clay?
- Reduces skin and hair excess oil
- Effective acne treatment
- Gentle cleansing properties
- Cleans impurities, dirt and removes dead skin cells
- Increases skin's elasticity
- Purifies and detoxifies the pores
- Improves blood circulation stimulating elastin and collagen production which is the key to anti-aging treatments
- Reduces skin irritations
- Approved by Ecocert
- Environmentally friendly
What are the differences between the different colours of Brazilian clay?
As mentioned before, Brazilian clay has various colours and that depends on the mineral content of the area from where the clay is mined. Amazônia Essentials currently offers 3 different colours for you to choose from based on your needs!
- Pink clay (recommended for very sensitive skin)
Pink clay is the softest of all clays making it suitable for sensitive and delicate skin. It is rich in iron and mineral salts including copper, selenium , magnesium and zinc. Having the closest level to the skin pH , pink clay is almost impossible to cause irritation. It has naturally healing properties and revitalises the skin, restoring freshness and the natural glow. It also increases blood circulation and is so soft that it can be used all day long without drying the skin.
- Red clay (recommended for mature skin or age-defying purposes)
Red clay is rich in iron oxide (important for cellular respiration that renews the skin cells) and copper. It softens the skin instantly upon use, and removes excess oil and water restoring the skin's natural glow. This clay is recommended for ageing skin as it helps to repair cutaneous effects of the natural ageing process in the skin, and also lifts and firms the skin. Clinical tests have shown red clay to increase elasticity by 173% and firmness by 37%.
- Green clay (for acne or blemish-prone skin)
Green clay shows the greatest diversity of mineral elements. This bright green colour is due to the presence of iron oxide, magnesium , calcium , potassium , manganese , phosphorus, zinc , aluminium , silicon , cobalt , selenium , copper and molybdenum. It has a neutral pH and it is suitable for normal to oily skin. If you have acne skin, green clay will help you control the excess oiliness and balance the microorganisms on the skin as it has emollient, antiseptic , antibacterial and healing properties. Also, it is great for burning localised fat and reduction of cellulite.
How to use the Brazilian Kaolin clay?
Brazilian Kaolin clay has a lot of potential uses but the most efficient are in skincare. It is really important to mention that you must choose the right clay for your skin in order to get the maximum benefits. If you are only now incorporating clay into your routine, we recommend starting with our Brazilian Pink Kaolin Clay as it is the mildest clay of the bunch.
Brazilian kaolin clay can be used as:
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Cleanser: Kaolin clay gently sloughs away dull dead skin, absorbs impurities from pores and leaves skin soft! You can add a teaspoon of clay to your regular cleanser to give it a mineral boost or apply dry kaolin to clean, damp skin and gently rub in circular motions
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Hair cleanser: Kaolin clay is so gently that is can also be used to cleanse hair - even dry hair! make a mask with water and kaolin clay, let it sit on your hair for 5 minutes, rinse well and then follow up with a conditioner
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Deodorant: Kaolin clay can detox underarms, removing odor-causing impurities without harsh chemicals. It can be an ingredient among baking soda and babassu oil for natural deodorants suitable especially for sensitive skin. Many natural deodorants on the market are formulated with kaolin clay
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Face mask: this is the most known use of Kaolin clay. You can mix Kaolin clay with water, rose water (or other hydrolats) , green tea , aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar , greek yoghurt and even sea moss gel!
- Body care: For use on the body, you can mix the clay with all of the above and you can also add it to your DIY body scrubs using sugar, salt, coffee and your choice of clay for extra exfoliation and cleansing
Important note: You should NEVER mix Kaolin clay (or any clay) in a metal bowl or with metal tools. Metal disturbs the detox effects of Kaolin clay making it much less effective, almost ruined.
Which is the recommended skincare routine I should follow?
You can follow your regular skincare routine and use our Brazilian Kaolin Clay 1-2 times per week as a mask or everyday as a cleanser. The most common and effective routine is 1. Cleanse, 2. Moisturise, 3. SPF protection. It is very important to moisturise your skin as Kaolin clay can become drying if you don't have sufficient moisture levels. We strongly recommend including our Age-Defying Night Cream in your skincare routine. It is a unique blend of 100% natural, wild harvested and organic ingredients featuring Cupuacu butter, Pracaxi oil, Cacay oil, and Jambu extract. Simple yet EXTREMELY effective.
Is Brazilian Kaolin clay the new ''go-to'' mask? Try from our range of wild-harvested and sustainable variety and decide for yourself!