Green Clay: Its Incredible Benefits and Uses (in Cosmetics and as a Drink)

Green clay is a natural sedimentary rock belonging to the Phyllosilicate family. It is particularly rich in mineral salts and is mainly composed of aluminium silicate, hydrated magnesium, and iron oxide, which gives it its characteristic green colour. It has a layered, sheet-like structure.

The benefits of clay for the face or when taken internally depend on its composition. This composition is closely linked to its origin and colour. In nature, we find green clay, red clay, pink clay, yellow clay and white clay (kaolinite).

At Aroma-Zone, we are committed to offering ethical, high-quality ingredients. Our green clay is sourced from natural French quarries. We carefully check its consistency and microbiological purity before making it available in our online store. Unwashed, unionized, and quartz-free, our montmorillonite and illite are perfectly suited for all your preparations.

Green clay is known for its cleansing and decongesting effects on the skin. As a natural exfoliant, it helps tighten pores and rebalance most skin types. Used in various skincare treatments, it helps soften and brighten the complexion. It can also be used for its benefits for hair, teeth and overall wellbeing. The main properties of green clay include:

• Absorbent: Like a sponge, it absorbs excess sebum from oily skin. It therefore has sebum-regulating benefits, making it an essential active ingredient for caring for acne-prone skin.

• Adsorbent: Like a magnet, it attracts and binds certain molecules to the surface, such as toxins. It belongs to the large family of detoxifying active ingredients. The highly adsorbent properties of many clays can also contribute to the healing of a variety of ailments, although they are not antibacterial.

• Purifying: Its composition allows it to trap various types of impurities (dirt, bacteria, etc.). By adsorbing and absorbing moisture and impurities from the skin, clays help cleanse and refresh the skin’s surface and aid in the healing of topical imperfections. It thus improves the skin’s radiance by eliminating toxins and impurities accumulated on its surface.

• Remineralising: Green clay is naturally rich in minerals and trace elements. In solution, it can undergo cationic exchange (positive ions), promoting remineralisation and contributing to the skin's detoxification (complementary to the purifying action mentioned earlier)

• Repairing: This ion exchange phenomenon mentioned earlier also allows the clay to carry active ingredients and deliver them to the skin.

• Exfoliating: Its fine grain size allows it to be used in mechanical scrubs.

The benefits of green clay also extend to hair care. It is best applied locally to the roots.

•  Green clay (montmorillonite or illite) absorbs excess sebum from the scalp. It is therefore ideal for restoring a bit of lightness between washes.

•  It adds volume at the roots. Its pale color makes it relatively discreet on all hair colors.

• It helps detoxify the scalp. For example, you can use it as a clarifying treatment before colouring your hair or during your transition to more natural hair care products.

• Finally, it also helps soothe discomfort in scalps prone to dandruff and irritation.

It can be used as an ingredient in your homemade shampoos or hair masks.

Green clay is the queen of oral hygiene! Even though using it in your mouth might seem surprising, it takes care of your teeth and gums every day. 

• Gentle abrasive action: It helps cleanse your teeth and contributes to a brighter smile.

• Purifying properties: It helps capture bacteria responsible for bad breath and refreshes the mouth.

• Helps neutralise acidity: It helps prevent the build-up of dental plaque.**

Can you consume green clay internally? It’s possible: drinkable green clay is packed with benefits!

Ingesting clay or a clay suspension is commonly used as a detoxifying agent.

• Helps absorb intestinal gas: Among the benefits of green clay, its ability to absorb intestinal gases is particularly appreciated.

• Protective action: Its covering properties may help protect the intestinal lining in cases of increased intestinal permeability or digestive discomfort.

• Soothing properties: It may help relieve discomfort, particularly that associated with acid reflux and heartburn.

• Detoxifying properties: It helps the body eliminate toxins and maintain normal functioning. In the acidic environment of the stomach, clay minerals may bind to positively charged toxins and contribute to their elimination. (1) (2) (3)

In practice: simply dilute 1 teaspoon of green clay in a glass of water. You can drink it right away or let it sit overnight. In that case, drink only the supernatant liquid.

Precautions:

Remember that taking green clay internally is not suitable for everyone. This includes, among others, people suffering from chronic constipation, high blood pressure, or intestinal obstruction. Seek advice from a healthcare professional before use.

In addition, due to its strong adsorption capacity, clay may reduce the effectiveness of medicines and contraceptive pills. Always take them at least 3–4 hours apart from clay intake.

At Aroma-Zone, we offer two types of green clay: montmorillonite and illite. Your choice mainly depends on the benefits you wish to achieve. Your selection will also influence the sensory properties of your homemade recipe.

Superfine Green Montmorillonite Clay (Smectite)

Processing: Mechanically crushed, dried, then sorted by suction.

Composition: Very rich in minerals and trace elements. It has a high cation exchange capacity.

Usage: Suitable for internal and external use.

Highly versatile, it is particularly suitable for remineralising and detoxifying preparations.

Extra-fine illite green clay

Processing: Mechanically crushed, finely ground, dried at high temperature.

Composition: Low in minerals, but highly absorbent. Its cation exchange capacity is lower than that of montmorillonite.

Usage: Suitable for internal and external use.

It is ideal for creating gentle purifying skincare products for combination to oily skin.

My DIY Recipes for Using Green Clay on My Skin

You can enjoy all the benefits of green clay for your face by creating homemade skincare tailored to your beauty needs. This may include a facial scrub, soap, or an anti-redness cream. However, the best-known treatment is undoubtedly the face mask. The purifying benefits of a green clay mask are particularly well suited to combination and oily skin.

Our Quick Recipe

For a quick green clay face mask, simply mix a little clay powder with a hydrosol of your choice. If you have dry skin, add a few drops of a suitable vegetable oil (Safflower or Sweet Almond oil, for example). Use your mask immediately, as it is not intended for storage. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on until the mask starts to dry (between 5 and 10 minutes). Re-moisten regularly if the mixture dries too quickly. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

My recipes for using green clay on my hair

The benefits of a green clay mask also extend to your hair! The principle is the same as for a face mask: simply mix clay powder with a little water or hydrosol. Apply the resulting paste to the roots as a pre-shampoo treatment, working it slightly through the lengths. Feel free to enhance your hair clay mask with complementary active ingredients (vegetable oils, carefully dosed essential oils, etc.).

Green clay also allows you to make natural dry shampoos and solid shampoos. It can also be incorporated into waxes or styling pastes to add texture to the hair with a matte finish.

My DIY Recipes for Using Green Clay for Oral Care

Did you know that you can make your own DIY toothpaste with green clay? The recipe is simple: green clay, a vegetable oil, and a few drops of a suitable essential oil. Some recipes also recommend combining it with baking soda. If you prefer a paste rather than a powder, simply add a little water. Please note that in this form, your toothpaste will have a much shorter shelf life.

You can also use green clay as a gargle to help cleanse and refresh your throat. Simply dilute a small amount of clay powder in a glass of water, then gargle with the mixture for 30 seconds. You can also make use of the benefits of a green clay poultice on a painful tooth. Of course, this SOS tip does not replace a visit to a healthcare professional.

Our Favourite Hydrosols to Complement Your Routine

Organic Calendula Hydrosol

Obtained by distilling marigold flowers, this hydrosol is a marvel for sensitive or irritated skin. Soothing and softening, it is renowned as an active ingredient in homemade cosmetics for delicate, inflamed, or uncomfortable skin.

In cosmetics, the benefits of green clay can be enjoyed by all skin types. Whether you use it as a face mask or poultice, we simply recommend not allowing it to dry completely. Keep a spray bottle nearby to regularly mist the mask and keep it moist. Always discard your clay after use: as clay absorbs impurities and toxins, it cannot be reused.

When taken internally, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting a green clay cleanse, especially if you suffer from digestive issues, constipation, or similar conditions. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as people taking medication or using contraceptive pills, should take extra precautions. Drinking green clay should only be done as a short-term course, not over an extended period.

Finally, take care not to inhale clay powder when handling it. If necessary, wear suitable protective equipment and keep it out of reach of children.

Good to Know

Our clays arrive at your doorstep in a recyclable kraft bag with a zip closure. Be sure to reseal the package after each use to keep your powders fresh.