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Uncovering the Benefits of Clay in Skincare
Sophia D'Urso
Global Consumer Experience
4 min read
Ancient skincare rituals, renewed by fresh.
Clay has been a staple in cosmetic and medicinal skincare for hundreds of years. Its enduring popularity in skincare is primarily due to the way it gently purifies, refines, and nourishes skin. From ancient empires and indigenous civilizations to the beauty aficionados of the modern world, this versatile ingredient has been used across cultures, continents, and civilizations.
When it forms part of your skincare ritual, clay is one of nature’s best multi-tasking marvels. It provides a wide range of benefits to all skin types, even the most delicate. By drawing out impurities and excess oil, clay leaves your complexion refreshed and balanced. At the same time, it’s loaded with minerals that nourish your skin, leaving it smoother and more even-toned.
From its pore-refining properties to its purifying action, uncover six benefits that make clay a favourite in skincare.
Maintaining healthy, balanced skin can be challenging, especially considering how many external factors can throw everything out of order. Warm weather and stress, for example, are known to cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, resulting in excess oil production and clogged pores. Unlike conventional treatments that often contain harsh chemicals and can disrupt your skin's natural balance, clay offers a gentle, natural solution. It acts as a sponge, absorbing excess oil and impurities, leaving your skin clear, matte, and balanced — without causing dryness or irritation.
Clay-based skincare products offer a gentle way to renew and refresh your skin, transforming your skin tone and texture. They work by lightly exfoliating, which removes dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new ones without damaging your skin, resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion. Unlike harsh chemical exfoliants, clay is kind to sensitive skin, supporting a healthy protective skin barrier while delivering a fresh, radiant glow — minus any irritation.
Clay is highly effective at clearing out clogged-up pores. It draws out impurities and toxins from deep within, making it a go-to for those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin. As the clay dries, it tightens and works to extract dirt, dead skin cells, and excess sebum trapped in your pores. By the time you rinse it off, your pores are visibly smaller and cleaner, resulting in a clearer and more refined complexion with regular use.
Clay is an excellent skincare ingredient for soothing irritated and inflamed skin. Its rich mineral content provides anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce redness and discomfort. So, if you’re someone whose skin is prone to sensitivity or you’re dealing with a random flare-up or irritation, clay can offer your skin the relief it deserves, contributing to a more balanced and even-toned complexion.
Umbrian clay was first discovered in the 6th century and became renowned for its remarkable ability to address various skin issues, from mild irritations to persistent acne. Its fine texture and high mineral content have made it a sought-after ingredient in skincare for centuries, and there is only one place where it can be naturally sourced — Nocera Umbra, a small Italian town located in the central region of Umbria.
Umbrian clay's reputation has grown with time, and its benefits have been further validated by modern skincare experts. A pivotal moment came hundreds of years after its discovery when a friend of our founders stumbled upon Umbrian clay at a small herbal store in Italy. Her experience was nothing short of transformative — a few weeks of daily use led to the near-miraculous clearing of her treatment-resistant acne.
Inspired by this revelation, fresh has harnessed the power of Umbrian clay in our innovative skincare line. We've embraced its natural ability to balance, purify, and clarify skin while respecting its rich heritage.
At fresh, we believe in beauty that's both effective and ethical. As proud members of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), we're committed to sourcing this precious clay sustainably from local suppliers. Our dedication to responsible practices ensures that we can continue to offer the benefits of this timeless ingredient for years to come. You can find out more about the journey of this remarkable clay from the grounds of Italy to your skincare routine in our Umbrian Clay Sourcing Story.
The fresh Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask is a versatile product designed for deep cleansing and pore refinement. This mask can be used in three ways: as a detoxifying mask, a deep-cleansing facial wash, or a targeted spot treatment. Its mineral-rich clay formula helps draw out impurities and soak up excess oil, reducing the appearance of pores and controlling shine. The clay-enriched formula gently cleanses skin without causing dryness, making it a suitable option for all types of skin, even sensitive skin.
The Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar offers a practical way to harness the benefits of Umbrian clay for both facial and body skincare. This bar is formulated to deeply cleanse your skin, addressing common concerns by soothing your skin, removing toxins and impurities, and treating blemishes.
To use, moisten the bar and apply it directly to your skin. For regular cleansing, wait briefly to allow it to dry, then rinse. For a deeper cleanse, leave it on for up to five minutes before rinsing. Be sure to store the bar in a dry place when you’re finished using it to prevent it from dissolving.
At fresh, we’re dedicated to combining the best of nature with the latest scientific breakthroughs. Our approach focuses on harnessing the power of natural ingredients while applying rigorous research to ensure their effectiveness. This commitment helps us create skincare products that work for your skin. Browse our range to find the right products for your skincare journey.
Written by Sophia D’Urso for Fresh. Sophia is an NYC-based consumer experience specialist and content writer. Sophia has worked as a consumer marketer and writer for years at various brands within the beauty, media, and events industries.