What You Need To Know About Clay In Skincare
Sophia D'Urso
Global Consumer Experience
4 min read
Meet our exclusive Umbrian clay collection.
Clay’s use in hair and skincare dates back centuries. This natural, multi-tasking ingredient has stood the test of time for its remarkable ability to cleanse, purify, and nourish the skin. At its core, a healthy complexion is about balance — and clay is a versatile skincare ingredient that offers just that. Its unique structure allows it to act like a gentle sponge, absorbing excess oils without stripping away essential moisture. At the same time, clay's rich mineral content provides a subtle infusion of nutrients, helping to refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and calm irritated skin.
From its skin-clarifying properties to the deep nourishment it provides, discover six key benefits that make clay a must-have for a healthy and revitalised complexion.
Clay’s natural ability to regulate oil production is vital to maintaining a fresh complexion. When factors like stress and heat lead to overactive sweat glands and excess oil production, your skin can become greasy and prone to breakouts. Many treatments for oily or acne-prone skin rely on harsh chemicals that can strip away essential moisture and upset your skin's natural balance. Clay, on the other hand, offers a soothing alternative. It gently absorbs excess oil and clears your skin of impurities, effectively balancing oil levels and reducing shine without compromising your skin’s health.
Clay's natural properties offer a subtle yet effective way to refine texture and enhance your skin tone while still preserving your skin’s protective barrier. Over time and with regular use, clay works to rejuvenate your skin by acting as a gentle exfoliant that strips away dead cells and facilitates cell renewal, revealing a more refreshed, radiant, and even complexion. This ingredient is also a milder alternative to harsher exfoliants and retinoids, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Clogged pores can lead to a range of issues, from unwanted breakouts and blackheads to a dull complexion. These problems result when excess oil and impurities become trapped in your pores, but they can easily be addressed with a simple solution like a clay face mask. Clay works to absorb pore-clogging impurities, and as it dries, it tightens your skin, drawing out trapped dirt, dead cells, and sebum. This process helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and supports a clearer, more radiant complexion over time.
Dry, itchy, and inflamed skin can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage, often resulting in blotchiness and irritation. Clay is a soothing ingredient rich in detoxifying and anti-inflammatory minerals, providing much-needed relief by visibly calming inflamed areas, alleviating discomfort, and reducing redness. So, if you have sensitive skin, clay is a must-have addition to your routine.
Nestled in the heart of Italy lies the picturesque town of Nocera Umbra, the sole source of natural Umbrian clay. This extremely fine clay was first discovered in the sixth century. Thereafter, medical practitioners and researchers harnessed its properties for generations to address various skin concerns, from common rashes to persistent acne.
Umbrian clay's journey to modern skincare is as intriguing as its origins. Centuries later, a friend of our founders rediscovered the remarkable properties of this clay after stumbling across it at a small herbal store in Italy. She began incorporating it into her skincare routine and, after a few weeks of daily use, experienced a dramatic improvement in her treatment-resistant acne.
Today, this time-honoured ingredient features prominently in the fresh product range, offering its mineral-rich composition and detoxifying qualities to purify and balance skin, promoting a clearer complexion.
As members of Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), fresh works to source Umbrian clay sustainably from local suppliers. Discover more about the origins and journey of this extraordinary ingredient in our Umbrian Clay Sourcing Story.
The fresh Umbrian Clay Pore-Purifying Face Mask offers a comprehensive solution for deep cleansing and pore refinement. This mask provides a multifaceted approach to skincare, with an innovative formula that acts not only as a purifying mask but also as a rejuvenating wash and a targeted spot treatment. The mineral-rich clay draws out impurities, refines pores, and controls shine, all while ensuring your skin remains hydrated. Perfect for all skin types, the unique formula taps into the enduring benefits of Umbrian clay to enhance and balance your complexion.
Elevate your cleansing routine with the Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar, designed to extend the purifying power of Umbrian clay beyond your face. This versatile bar offers deep cleansing for both your face and body, effectively drawing out toxins and addressing imperfections while soothing the skin. Using the bar is a simple, three-step process:
If you’d prefer a more intensive treatment, leave it on your skin for about five minutes before rinsing it off. Remember, the clay will dissolve in water, so it’s essential to pack the bar away in a dry place after use.
At fresh, we blend the wisdom of nature with cutting-edge scientific research to create skincare solutions that genuinely make a difference. Explore our complete range to discover the perfect match for your unique skincare needs.
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.