Red clay

Properties of red clay

• Red illite clay is structurally similar to montmorillonite, but does not swell in water.
• Removes excess oil and dirt from pores and acts as a gentle exfoliant, leaving skin smooth and radiant.
• Suitable for normal to oily skin, especially suitable for dull or tired complexions.
• Natural dye – gives products a red hue.

Mineral composition of red clay

• Silicon dioxide (SiO₂, approximately 64%)

• Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃, approximately 18.5%) supports the clay's structure and cation exchange capacity.

• Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃, approximately 7.3%) gives the clay its red color.

• Titanium dioxide, calcium oxide, sodium oxide and magnesium oxide are present in smaller quantities.

The use of red clay in cosmetics

Skin care Best suited for normal to oily skin. Masks: mix 1 part clay with 1–1.5 parts liquid (spring water or flower water). Apply a thin layer to the skin, leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse and moisturize.

Hair care Best suited for brown to red hair tones, adds shine and volume.

• Hair mask: mix with water, apply to hair and scalp, leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

• Shampoo additive: mix 1–2 tablespoons into neutral shampoo, leave for 5 minutes, then rinse.

Soap making

• Cold process soap: To avoid lumps, mix clay powder in water or vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:3. Use up to 5 g per 450 g of soap fats. You can mix the clay with the fats before mixing with the soapstone solution or into the finished soap mixture before pouring into the mold.

• In ready-made soap mass, use ¼–½ teaspoon per 500 g of soap mass.

Not recommended for use: On very light or blonde hair, the red pigment may tint the hair. On dry or very sensitive skin, red clay may be too drying.

Interaction with other substances. Clay is a natural mineral that is stable in acidic, neutral and alkaline mixtures. It is insoluble in water or oil, and in liquid products it settles to the bottom over time.

When making clay products, use glass, ceramic, or wooden utensils, avoid using metal utensils. It is recommended to use spring or filtered water as the liquid, not tap water.

Technical information INCI: Illite

Origin: France

Production method: mining, drying, mechanical grinding, screening – without chemical treatment, ionization or washing

Appearance: Fine red powder

Odor: characteristic Particle size: up to 75 µm

Storage: Keep in the original container tightly closed, in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, protected from moisture.