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Tips for choosing and using clay

Writer's picture: Les Argiles du SoleilLes Argiles du Soleil

Updated: Feb 4

Our different clays and how to choose the right one



Argile verte et argile blanche
Les argiles du soleil


  • Ventoux Green Montmorillonite Clay is used to prepare clay pastes for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as for making poultices and compresses. It has strong absorbing and remineralising properties.

  • Bonneval Illite Clay is primarily valued for its ability to absorb impurities. It is particularly useful for acne-prone skin due to its drying effect.

  • Fronnac Red and Auban Yellow Clays are used on normal to oily skin for a radiant complexion. They are particularly rich in iron oxide and trace minerals.

  • Corens Pink Clay is ideal for preparing clay pastes for sensitive and delicate skin.

  • Izane and Morélie White Kaolin Clays are perfect for dry and delicate skin, as they have low absorbency.

  • Rassal Clay is known for its cleansing and exfoliating action, making it ideal for both skin and scalp care.


How to use clay – Our recommendations


  • Beauty mask


    Pour clay powder into a non-metallic bowl, then add liquid (spring water, filtered water, floral water, herbal tea...) using a ratio of one tablespoon of clay to 1.5 times its volume in water. Let the mixture absorb naturally, then gently stir with a wooden spatula until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid if too thick or more clay if too runny.



Argile verte
Argile verte Les Argiles du Soleil

Apply a thick layer to clean skin using your hands or a brush, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Leave on for about 10 minutes, keeping the mask moist if it dries too quickly. Rinse thoroughly with water and apply your usual moisturiser.






Dampen your hair, then apply two tablespoons of clay paste to your scalp, gently massaging it in. Add water if needed. Leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This detox mask is suitable for all hair types and is ideal before applying plant-based hair dye.


Hairdresser’s Tip: Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of clay into your shampoo (preferably a neutral one). Massage it into your hair, leave for at least 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.


Laver les cheveux à l'argile Rassal
Rassal clay for hair

Dry shampoo (Rassal clay)


Using a large brush, apply Rassal clay all over your hair, working as close to the roots as possible. Gently massage it into the scalp, then brush out any excess clay. Your hair will be refreshed and gain volume.


  • Poultice or compress


    Use a glass dish (avoid metal and plastic). Fill it halfway or three-quarters with Ventoux Montmorillonite Clay (for multiple poultices). Pour enough water to cover the clay by ½ to 1 cm. Let the clay absorb the water naturally without stirring, as mixing can reduce its absorption capacity.


    Preparation takes from a few hours to half a day. You can prepare it the day before use. The consistency should be firm but not too hard or too runny. Adjust by adding either water or clay powder.


    Apply a 1–2 cm layer to the affected area and cover with a cloth. Leave on for 1–2 hours and remove before the clay dries. A clay poultice should never be reused—discard after use.


    For more details, request our Practical Guide No.1: Preparation of Ventoux Montmorillonite Clay Poultice.


    Alternatively, try our ready-to-use green clay poultice.


cataplasme à l'argile verte
cataplasme à l'argile verte

  • Clay bath


    Clay can be combined with various plants for therapeutic bathing. To rejuvenate after a long day, prepare an invigorating bath by placing 300 g of Auban Yellow Clay, a handful of powdered seaweed, thyme, and rosemary (fresh or dried) into a washcloth. Let it steep in warm bathwater (38–39°C) for 20 minutes and enjoy a revitalising soak.


  • Hand wash with clay


    For a gentle hand wash, mix a little Izane White Clay with water, rub onto your hands, then rinse. This simple, natural method leaves your hands clean and soft—perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.



  • Colouring soaps and homemade beauty products


    Clays are insoluble and can be added at the trace stage of soap-making, either directly or pre-mixed with a little vegetable oil.


    Sift the clay using a fine-mesh sieve.

    Mix with a small amount of oil (1 part clay to 4 parts oil).

    Blend with a whisk or mixer.

    Incorporate into your soap mixture early in the process.


    Clays do not react with lye and do not affect saponification.


colorer des savons à l'argile
soaps colored with clay


  • Household uses: Multipurpose clay cleaning stone


    Ingredients:


    50 g Izane White Clay

    50 g Baking Soda

    25 g Liquid Marseille Soap


    Mix the clay and baking soda with a wooden spatula, then add the liquid soap to create a smooth paste. Transfer to a container and let it air-dry for 1–2 weeks. Allow it to dry after each use before closing the container.



Clay care tips


Vary your clays to maximise their benefits and avoid overuse of one type.

Patch test first (apply a small amount to the inner elbow) to check for any skin reactions.

For dry or sensitive skin, limit clay masks to once a week to avoid excessive moisture loss.

Cleanse your skin before applying clay masks.

Always hydrate after a clay mask (use a moisturiser or facial oil).



What NOT to do with clay


Do not heat clay (avoid gas stoves, ovens, microwaves)—let it dry naturally in sunlight.

Avoid metal tools, as long-term contact may cause oxidation and reduce effectiveness.

Avoid plastic utensils—opt for glass, ceramic, or wood. Keep it natural !

Use spring water instead of tap water (which contains chlorine and nitrates).

Be cautious when handling clay, as it may stain fabrics.

Do not mix clay with essential oils or medicinal ingredients unless you know their effects.

Do not let clay dry on the skin—moisture is key to its effectiveness.

Do not apply clay over heated or medicated creams (e.g., anti-inflammatory balms).



Storage guidelines


Store clay in its original packaging in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and contaminants. Reseal the bag properly after use (a wooden clothespin works well).























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