French Pink Clay Benefits

Author: Balaji Shankar, Jun 6, 2024

Benefits of French Pink Clay

What is French Clay?

Clay when specially chosen & prepared has many therapeutic benefits. [1]

In India we have used multani mitti for several centuries for skin care. There are some naturally occurring clays in regions in the South of France that give outstanding benefits for the skin and body. Formed as a result of weathering of volcanic ash, rocks, soil, or sediment, over a very long period of time, Clays are naturally-occurring, earthy, mineral-rich elements derived from these various sources.

Clays harvested naturally from deposits found in areas like the famous clay region of the Limousin around the city of Limoges, or in Provence around cities like Apt, Gargas, and Rustrel.[2]

Types of Clay in France

There are several varieties of French Clay that vary in their properties and their colors, depending on the layer or type of earth from which they are derived.

French Clays can be Green, Pink, Red, Yellow or White. When mixed with water, the common physical properties shared among all these varieties include their elasticity and their softness.

While French green clay is the most popular, we use French pink clay in our Doodle Soap, because it is the mildest of all clays and suits all skin types.

French Pink Clay

French Pink Clay is a combination of red and white clays. It is considered to be the mildest of all the clays and works well for normal, sensitive and mature skin types. Its unique composition includes Kaolinite, Iron, Illite, Montmorillonite and Calcite.

Research on Clay Benefits

(You can ignore this section if you are not scientifically minded!)

1. Xianghua Zhang et. al. studied the effect of clay on oily and acne prone skin in 2023. In this study, 75 adults with oily or combination skin were enrolled and provided with a clay mask for twice‚weekly use over 4 weeks. [3]

This study demonstrated the clay mask's efficacy in managing acne and oily skin, improving hydration and texture. Significant improvements in skin parameters and high product safety were observed, supporting its suitability.

2 . Clay and mineral water treatment has been established to provide significant relief in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. [4]

3. Clay is widely used in Pelotherapy and Balenotherapy, emerging fields of medicine. example [5]

4. French green clay has been effective in the treatment of Buruli ulcer [6]

French Pink Clay Benefits

Being a mixture of red clay and white clay, French pink clay offers the best of both worlds.

The main chemical constituents of French Clays are: Minerals (Kaolinite, Illite, Montmorillonite, and Calcite) and Oxide Minerals (Silicon Oxide, Aluminium Oxide, Iron Oxide, Calcium Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Oxide, Potassium Oxide, and Titanium Oxide).

Used cosmetically or topically in general, French Pink Clay attaches itself to oil, bacteria, and impurities from the skin to eliminate them and leave skin feeling cleansed, clarified, and balanced.

By restoring essential minerals to the skin, Clays nourish and replenish the skin’s moisture, enhance its function, promote the regeneration of cells, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, repair damage, revitalize skin that appears to be dull, dry, and tired, and reduce the chance of congestion that leads to breakouts. [7]

Let us list the benefits of French pink clay for the skin

1. Deep Cleansing and Detoxifying Properties

Ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin.
Helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts

2. Gentle Exfoliation and Skin Renewal

Mild abrasive quality for removing dead skin cells Promotes cell turnover for a glowing complexion

3. Skin Tightening and Anti-Aging Benefits

Tightens and tones the skin
Rich in minerals that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

4. Soothing and Calming Effects

French pink clay has proven, anti-inflammatory properties. This helps alleviate skin conditions like eczema and rosacea

Takeaway

When used in skin-care, French pink clay offers the following 14 super benefits

1. Gently cleans the skin
2. Restores essential minerals
3. Exfoliating
4. Skin-detox
5. Nourish and replenish skin's moisture
6. Promote regeneration of cells
7. Help in Collagen production (anti-aging)
8. Minimize enlarged pores
9. Remove blackheads and whiteheads
10. Revitalize skin
11. Balance the skin sebum
12. Prevents acne & pimples
13. Effective in managing oily skin
14. Calms the mind

Doodle Soap uses French pink clay in all its variants.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6036842/
[2] https://potterpalace.com/how-is-french-green-clay-made/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10626287/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947999/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032246/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904249
[7] https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-french-clay.html#french-clays-varieties

At Doodle Soapery we make the finest organic, cold process, handmade soaps at an affordable price of Rs 95 for 100g. Whatsapp : 90256 97739