Everything You Need to Know About White Clay for Your Skincare Routine

What is white clay?

White clay is an ingredient used in natural cosmetic facial treatments to decongest and cleanse the skin. This “kaolin” powder (in reference to the city where it was discovered in China) is particularly useful for people who have acne, irritation or this type of skin disorder.

White clay is extracted from quarries. It is composed of silica and numerous mineral salts (iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc.).

If other brands sometimes use it to replace talc, to create products that whiten teeth or to integrate it into deodorant formulas, Fresh has decided to use it directly in facial care products. .

What are the properties of white clay?

Under this fine white powder appearance, one might not realize that it contains so many virtues. However, it really has multiple functions:

• White clay is used to regulate the skin's natural mechanisms by preventing it from sweating too much.
• It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and relieves itching.
• It can also be used to mattify and cleanse the skin more deeply.
• It helps to regenerate and awaken the skin by providing it with better tone.
• It also contributes to wound healing, which is useful in fighting acne scars.

To summarize, white clay is absorbent, remineralizing and detoxifying. Very pure, white clay acts in depth and helps to obtain a better level of hydration of the epidermis.

What is the difference between white clay and green clay?

There are actually different types of clays used in cosmetics.

We often hear about green clay. It is well known for its detoxifying and purifying properties. In powder form, it absorbs excess liquids very well. It has interesting antiseptic properties and helps fight harmful bacteria. Finally, green clay helps heal better and even has a pleasant soothing effect on the skin.

Trace elements and mineral salts, naturally present in greater quantities in white clay, allow very good cell renewal of the skin. Very gentle, this clay can be applied without problem to dry or sensitive skin. It also manages to tighten the pores of the skin and allows better control of excess sebum.

In which cases should one or the other be used, then? Green clay is more suitable for combination and oily skin. White clay is more universal and we recommend it for normal, dry and sensitive skin and even dehydrated skin.

Umbrian white clay: exclusive Fresh ingredient, originating from Nocera Umbra

Fresh has decided to be selective about this ingredient. It must be said that this one has a particular history for our brand.

For the record, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, founders of Fresh, had a friend who suffered from severe acne. During a stay in Italy, she discovered this product and its virtues and decided to apply it daily to her skin.

Noting the astonishing results of this natural ingredient on the skin, our founders sought to integrate it into effective and environmentally friendly skincare products.

In order to respect our environmental commitments, we have studied the best ways to source white clay. This led us to consider the town of Nocera Umbra in Italy. With the help of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), we were able to implement responsible sourcing that has no impact on biodiversity.

The Umbrian white clay used in Fresh treatments is therefore of responsible origin and comes directly from Nocera Umbra.

What are the benefits of white clay on facial skin?

Depending on your skin type, benefit from the different benefits of white clay:

• On dry or reactive skin, white clay is ideal for regenerating cells. Goodbye dead cells, skin irritations and tightness!
• On combination to oily skin, this clay serves as a moisturizing agent. It regulates sebum, tightens pores and helps degrease the epidermis. The excess sebum is greatly regulated.
• On mature skin, white clay is an excellent anti-aging treatment. Firming, this ingredient acts as an anti-wrinkle and stops the progression of signs of aging.

You can make a homemade face mask from white clay, by mixing it with floral water or a hydrosol. In terms of texture, you need to obtain a homogeneous and smooth dough. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes maximum. Rinse with clean water.

Here are some precautions to follow when using white clay in homemade treatments:

• You can touch the clay with your hands, it is absolutely not toxic or dangerous for your health;
• Do not use metal utensils when handling clay, these could alter its unique properties;
• Never let a clay mask dry on your face, otherwise you risk seeing it crack and damage your skin;
• If the clay-based face mask has dried on your face for too long, remove it gently by moistening your face thoroughly with cool water.

Did you know ? It is also possible to use white clay on the hair. It gives them flexibility, lightness, helps purify the hair fiber and fights against itchy scalp. It is found in many soaps, shampoos or hair masks.

Fresh has developed 3 cosmetic treatments based on white clay from Umbria to test for purified and detoxified skin:

• A purifying mask with Umbrian clay, a multifunctional treatment that can be used as a purifying mask, an intense daily cleanser, or to reduce small imperfections.
• A detoxifying cleansing mask with white clay, a deep cleanser and a detoxifying mask for the face and body made from 100% Umbrian clay.
• A clay-based toner that controls sebum and minimizes the appearance of pores while mattifying and softening the skin.