French Green Clay Benefits & Use in Skincare

French Green Clay, also known as Illite or Montmorillonite clay, is a naturally mineral-rich substance sourced from quarries in France. Its characteristic green color comes from iron oxides and decomposed plant matter, which give the clay its powerful detoxifying and purifying abilities.

This ancient skincare remedy has been used for centuries and remains a popular ingredient in face masks, soaps, and other skincare products. Let’s explore the benefits of French green clay for skin care.

What is French Green Clay?

French Green Clay is naturally found in the Montmorillonite region of France and gets its green hue from iron oxides and kelp seaweed, along with other decomposed plant materials. The clay is harvested from natural deposits, sun-dried, and finely crushed. Thanks to its unique properties, it has been widely used in both cosmetic and medicinal treatments for centuries.

What Does a French Green Clay Mask Do?

Packed with minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, silicon, and more, French Green Clay is one of the most absorbent clays used in cosmetics. Its negative charge and fine texture allow it to act like a magnet, pulling out toxins and impurities from the skin, and leaving it clear, smooth, and hydrated. It’s gentler than Bentonite clay and more absorbent than Kaolin clay, making it suitable for all skin types.

Benefits of Using French Green Clay

Removes Impurities from Pores
Like other natural clays, French green clay works to remove impurities from pores by drawing out dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants.
Natural Deodorant Ingredient
French Green Clay can also serve as a natural deodorant, detoxifying the underarm area while neutralizing odors, absorbing sweat, and soothing sensitive skin.
Exfoliates the Skin
The slightly rough texture of French green clay makes it an effective, yet gentle, exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells without causing irritation or dryness.
Soothes Irritated Skin
French Green Clay is known for its gentle, calming effect, making it ideal for those with eczema, rashes, or psoriasis. It can be made into a paste to provide relief for irritated or red skin.
Controls Oil
A French green clay mask can absorb excess oil from the skin, leaving it feeling clean, fresh, and soft, making it especially beneficial for oily skin types.
Reduces the Appearance of Large Pores
Applying a French green clay mask can help tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of large pores.
Nourishes Skin Cells
Rich in minerals like calcium, aluminum, and zinc, French green clay nourishes and hydrates skin cells, contributing to healthier skin overall.
Tones and Firms Skin
With its skin-tightening properties, French green clay can help tone and firm the skin, giving an instant lift and reducing the appearance of sagging.

How to Use French Green Clay in Your Beauty Routine

Incorporating a green clay mask into your skincare routine can be beneficial. After cleansing, apply a thin layer of a Vitamin C Clay Mask with French Green Clay to your face and neck to purify the skin and improve your complexion. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Follow with a serum and an anti-aging moisturizer. For oily or combination skin, use the mask weekly, while normal or dry skin types may benefit from using it every two weeks.