What Does Clay Facial Cleanser Do?

If you’re a skin care junkie or a lover of applying a face mask as a form of self-care, chances are that you’ve slathered on a mask made with clay. Clay has been used in beauty and medicine for centuries thanks to its detoxifying and soothing properties, which is why these types of masks often claim to rid the skin of impurities. 

And while it’s extremely common to see masks formulated with clay, the effective ingredient isn’t nearly as popular in other skin care products. However, facial cleansers formulated with clay have become more popular in recent years 一 and for good reason. So ahead, we’re sharing why you should consider adding one into your skin care routine this spring. 

What Are the Skin Care Benefits Of Clay? 

We’ve established that clay is helpful in detoxifying the skin, but if you’re wondering what that actually means, allow us to explain. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), clay was used for absorption in healing practices of ancient cultures. It works to attract molecules and particles from a surface, hence why it’s now used in skin care to draw out impurities like oil and dirt. 

The NCBI also states that because clay works to absorb moisture and impurities from the skin, it helps to cleanse and revitalize the surface of the skin. 

What Do Clay Cleansers Do?

Similar to how masks, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, work to draw oil and dirt out of the pores, so do clay facial cleansers. While they don’t sit on the skin for an extended period of time 一 or dry down like many masks do 一 they work to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin which can help to minimize the appearance of pores and create a more mattified complexion. 

If you’re short on time, but you’re noticing that your skin looks or feels greasy, or you have clogged pores, opting for a clay cleanser is a great choice. You can reap the benefits of clay without needing to wait for a mask to work its magic. 

We love the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser because it helps to detoxify the skin without feeling stripping or drying. It’s formulated with a combination of three clays 一 including kaolin clay 一 which according to the NCBI, effectively removes toxins and contaminants from the skin. It also contains charcoal which acts like a magnet to draw out impurities from the skin. 

When you squeeze it out of the tube, it feels just like clay, but when worked into the skin and combined with water, it transforms into a mousse-like consistency. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and helps to reveal a more even complexion. 

Who Are Clay Cleansers Best For?

Because clay is highly effective at removing excess oil from the skin, it’s a great option if you have an oily skin type. In addition to eliminating oil, clay cleansers often help to leave the complexion looking mattified. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking that this type of cleanser is only beneficial for those with oily skin. Dry skin can be prone to enlarged pores and blemishes, too. Not to mention that regardless of skin type, we’re all exposed to environmental toxins like pollution and dirt which clay can be helpful at removing. Needless to say, clay facial cleansers can be beneficial regardless of your skin type. 

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Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Design: Crystal Simone