Clays, Muds And Additives Benefits | 4 Directional Natural Soap, Inc.

Muds, Clays and other Additives: Properties and Benefits

**Please note: For us here at 4 Directions Natural Soap, it would be very time-consuming and quite exhausting to attempt to list all of them on this page. If you happen to be curious about learning more about the properties and health/skin benefits of an oil/ingredient that is not listed on our page, we encourage you to look it up and learn about the special and beneficial properties of each ingredient that we use! An easy/simple way is to just type the name of the oil/ingredient followed by something like "skin benefits" or "health benefits".

Beeswax -

Beeswax is an amazing natural substance that is produced by honey bees. Beeswax is used in many skin care formulations because it forms a protective barrier on the surface of the skin which protects against irritants, but still allows the skin to breathe. Beeswax also acts as an emollient and humectant that seals moisture to the skin without clogging the pores! Beeswax is prized for it's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits (much the same as honey). These amazing properties are key to the beneficial effects like softening and rehydrating dry skin and cell reconstruction. Beeswax is ideal for treatment of diaper rash and other skin conditions with inflammation.

Borututu Root -

The borututu root is a powerhouse of chemical compounds that are very useful therapeutically. An infusion or tea prepared from the bark of borututu has been used traditionally to treat health problems related to indigestion, the liver and exhaustion. Borututu root possesses significant free-radical scavenging activity that supports its use as an antioxidant herbal dietary supplement. When used topically, this herb has been found to be effective for treating sores, herpes and other skin problems. In addition, borututu root possesses moderate diuretic properties and aids in eliminating additional fat from the body, thereby being useful in many weight loss regimens. These findings have been established through a number of clinical laboratory studies that were undertaken with borututu root in the study of the herb's effect on weight loss. Here is a link to more information about borututu bark (root): Herbpathy

Muds and Clays For Your Skin:

DID YOU KNOW THAT CLAY COMES IN SEVERAL COLOURS? AND THAT EACH HAS ITS OWN PROPERTIES? LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLAY AND THEIR UNIQUE BENEFITS.

Mud vs. Clay ~

Mud is a broad term, referring to a mixture of water and some combination of soil, made up of small rock particles of various sizes, plus organic materials. Mud comes in many forms and types, and is classified by the size of the rock particles present — clay (less than .002 mm), silt (.002 mm to .05 mm) and sand (.05 mm to 2 mm).

Clay is a specific type of mud — a naturally occurring mixture of very fine-grained soil, clay minerals and organic matter. Clay can be found in nearly every part of the world and has a wide array of diverse formations, colors and properties.

Uses + Benefits ~

Coveted for their medicinal and cosmetic benefits since earliest recorded history, muds and clays offer a multitude of benefits, and are among the safest, most powerful healing and detoxifying ingredients.

Clay is most celebrated for its impressive detoxifying capabilities. It also absorbs excess oil and clarifies blemishes — wonderful for oily, acne-prone and problem complexions. Other types of clay gently exfoliate, while helping skin retain moisture — ideal for more sensitive, dry and aging skin. And some clays even boost circulation and skin cell regeneration — beneficial for all complexions.

With their bevy of benefits, it’s no wonder "beauty dirts" are an absolute essential in skin care, widely used in scrubs, cleansers, soaks and soaps all over the world.

Different Types ~

While most clays and muds do have similar properties, varying types can have unique strengths and individual skin care benefits. These differences are due mostly to the different mineral content in each clay compound.

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Bentonite Clay:

One of the most popular, abundant and powerful healing clays, bentonite is composed of naturally occurring weathered and aged volcanic ash sediments. This highly absorbent swelling clay has a high percentage of montmorillonite (at least 30%), which gives it its extraordinary powers. Bentonite draws out oil and impurities, unclogs and shrinks pores, and heals acne while tightening and toning skin. When mixed with liquid (like clean water or apple cider vinegar), bentonite swells open like a porous sponge, drawing out toxins, oil, excess sebum, bacteria and fungus through electrical attraction. Its impurity-absorbing abilities make it ideal for oily, congested and acne-prone skin types, as well as those struggling with psoriasis and eczema. Bentonite is commonly used in over-the-counter acne treatments, bath soaks, foot, body and face masks.

Fuller’s Earth Clay (Multani Mitti Clay):

If your skin is an oil slick and nothing seems to help, we have some good news! Fuller’s earth clay literally soaks up oil (also having oily skin might help prevent wrinkles later in life, but that’s a topic for another day). We’re serious! This sedimentary clay boasts incredible drawing, pore clearing abilities and drying properties. In fact, it’s SO powerful it’s used in the automotive industry to soak up spilled oil. In addition to sopping up sludge (on your face and elsewhere), it has mild bleaching properties and is widely used as a skin-lightening agent, and is great for reducing the appearance of dark spots and acne scars.

Cambrian Blue Clay:

Found in Siberian lakes, cambrian blue clay is known for its clarifying, detoxifying and skin balancing properties. Cambrian blue clay is one of the oldest clays found in nature, making it especially rich in a wide array of minerals. Both the age and mineral content give this clay strong detoxifying properties and make it uniquely absorbent and ideal for oily skin.” This swelling clay penetrates deeply into pores, drawing out impurities, and even puffiness caused by carrying excess water. Cambrian blue clay lends its purifying properties to spot treatments, face masks, bar soaps and detox bath salts.

French Green Clay:

One of the most majestic, effective and commonly used mineral skin clays in the world, French green clay comes from naturally occurring deposits in France, and presents a soft texture and beautiful green color due to iron oxide and decomposed plant matter. There are two types of French green clay: montmorillonite and illite. While both have similar therapeutic properties, they also have specific differences.

French Green Montmorillonite Clay:

Unearthed in the South of France, French green montmorillonite has a much higher mineral content than illite — it’s rich in magnesium, iron, manganese, calcium, silica and and nutrients. Its swelling, absorbing and remineralizing abilities make it ideal for body wraps, compresses, baths and face masks. Particularly, for oily complexions, a weekly mask can regulate skin’s sebum production.

French Green Illite Clay:

Excavated from certain regions in the North of France and the Atlantic basin, French green illite is often referred to as sea clay or marine clay, due to the quarries being found in the ancient marine beds. This non-swelling clay has a lighter hue than montmorillonite and is superbly detoxifying. Its high sorptive capacity draws out toxins, and its negative ionic charge helps to attract, bind and eliminate positively charged impurities. In addition to decongesting problem complexions, its toning action stimulates the skin by bringing fresh blood to the surface, tightening pores and exfoliating dead skin cells. It’s commonly used in compresses, poultices, detox baths, face masks and body wraps.

French Red Illite Clay:

Like other illite clays, this guy has a strong negative ionic charge and a wealth of iron oxide, which gives it a rich red hue and high mineral content. A powerful cleanser, detoxifier and exfoliator, French red illite clay is commonly used in the beauty and cosmetics industry for its unique ability to purify congested skin while simultaneously reviving dull, aging skin. When activated by contact with water, the ionic exchange draws out impurities and stimulates blood circulation by depositing essential nutrients. This process increases oxygen flow to your cells, boosts hydration, aids in healing, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and broken capillaries. Due to its enhanced ability to stimulate the body’s circulatory system, French red illite clay is a staple in rejuvenating baths, body wraps, and face and body scrubs.

French Pink Clay (Rose Clay):

A combination of red illite and white kaolin clays, “French pink has as high concentration of iron oxide and silica, which work to increase skin cell regeneration, improving elasticity and circulation.” This fine rose colored powder is great for gently exfoliating and softening skin. Its mild properties make it perfect for normal, sensitive and mature skin types, and is commonly used in gentle scrubs and bar soaps.

Kaolin Clay:

Derived from weathered rocks in hot, humid climates, kaolin is one of the most versatile and widely used clays. It gently exfoliates, cleanses and stimulates skin. And because it blends so well with water, it’s used in everything from masks to cleansers. There are several different types (colors) of kaolin clay, each with their own unique properties:

White Kaolin Clay (White Cosmetic Clay):

The mildest of all clays, white kaolin is less absorbent than other varieties (meaning it doesn’t draw oils from the skin) and is extremely moisturizing, making it perfect for those with sensitive, aging and especially dry skin. And as the name would suggest, it’s a popular ingredient in cosmetics, found in the majority of all powdered and dry cosmetics.

Yellow Kaolin Clay:

This mild cosmetic clay is suitable for most skin types — particularly normal and sensitive. It helps stimulate circulation and promote cell regeneration, while cleansing to remove impurities (without stripping natural oils) and gently exfoliating skin. No surprise that it’s a star ingredient in brightening masks!

Pink Kaolin Clay (Rose Kaolin Clay):

A mix of red and white clays, pink kaolin is mildly detoxifying and exfoliating; it increases circulation, and reduces irritation and inflammation — making it ideal for normal and combination complexions.

Red Kaolin Clay:

The most purifying of the cosmetics clays, red kaolin is best for oily skin (and is not recommended for sensitive or dry complexions!). It purifies, cleanses and removes toxins, dirt, excess oil and surface debris, making it ideal for weekly detoxifying face and body masks.

Moroccan Red Clay (Rhassoul Clay or Moroccan Lava Clay):

Sourced from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, rhassoul has been prized for its therapeutic benefits for more than 1400 years. This mineral-rich ancient clay (with high percentages of silica and magnesium) has a greater ability to absorb excess oil, draw out toxins and clear clogged pores, and is even gentle enough for individuals with highly sensitive skin. It improves elasticity, exfoliates dead skin and stimulates circulation. This rare and luxurious clay easily mixes with water and other moisturizing ingredients, and is an effective cleanser, soap, facial mask, hair treatment and body wrap. These properties make rhassoul clay a secret staple at many of the best spas around the world!

Skin Benefits

Removes blackheads
Tightens pores
Evens skin tones
Brightens skin
Tightens skin and improves elasticity
Reduces signs of ageing
Treats acne and pimples
Improves blood circulation
Promotes cell regeneration
Neutralizes toxins
Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
May help with cellulite and stretch marks

Hair Benefits

Deep cleans
Conditions
Detangles
Reduces frizz
Unclogs blocked hair follicles
Removes product build up
Detoxes hair and scalp
Absorbs excess oils
Soothes psoriasis on scalp
Reduces dandruff
Reduces hair loss
Remineralizes hair

Umbrian Clay:

As its name would suggest, this naturally occurring clay is indigenous to Umbria, Italy. Thanks to its high mineral content, this purifying powerhouse acts like a sponge for oil, neutralizing acidity, refining pores, absorbing toxins, and reducing breakouts to soothe all irritation. Its super absorbent and anti-inflammatory properties make it a featured ingredient in many purifying masks and spot treatments for blemish-prone complexions.

Dead Sea Mud:

Revered for its restorative and therapeutic benefits, Dead Sea Mud has high concentrations of salts and minerals (magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium). Ideal for both face and body, it cleanses, exfoliates, improves texture, clarity and tone, balances pH and improves overall skin health. It also offers a host of healing benefits: easing aches and pains, soothing sore muscles, helping to relieve stress and providing a sense of calm. This spa quality, therapeutic mud is popular in body wraps, soaps and cleansers.

European Moor Mud (Therapeutic Peat Moss or Balneo-Peat):

Traditionally found in the Czech Republic and Hungary, European moor mud is an organic product of natural decomposition of herbs, flowers and grasses. This ancient mud is rich in thermal minerals, plant enzymes, trace elements, amino acids and vitamins. And unlike other muds, it contains virtually no clay. European moor mud is popular in skin care products and luxury spa services, due to its ability to cleanse, detoxify, improve circulation, soothe, heal and rejuvenate skin. And the high humic acid content enhances this magical mud’s natural anti-inflammatory abilities, helps to reduce aches and pain and even smoothes the appearance of cellulite. This fine paste dissolves in the water (don’t worry it won’t clog your bathroom drain), making it ideal for immersion bath therapy. It’s also commonly used in body wraps, masks and massage treatments.

For additional reading on the properties associated with the different colors of clay, you can go to this website: The Beauty Benefits of Clay. Please be aware that 4 Directions Natural Soap, inc. is not affiliated with Jean Coutu in any way. The link to this page is provided simply because it was so helpful when doing the researching of clays and their benefits. I just wanted to share with you.

Soaps made with clay ingredients: