"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." - Ancient Indian Proverb.
And what better way to get back to our roots than to invest in and celebrate our beauty and connection to nature through the healing clays!
Just as gardeners recognize that there are many different types of soil, there are many different types of clay.
Clay is a generic term for mineral sediments found in soil. These minerals originated from surrounding rocks eroded by the environment over time and therefore the type of rock that the clay originated from determines what type of clay you will end up with. However, it is the surrounding environment that those rock minerals find themselves in that determine what trace elements you will find in the clay as being absorbent it will attract whatever trace minerals exist in the surrounding environment!
There are four main types of clay that New Directions stock:
Kaolinite (Common form is Kaolin or China Clay, Ivory Australian Clay, Olive Green Clay, Pastel Pink Clay, Reef Red Clay), Pink French Clay, White French clay.
This is a layered silicate mineral that is used in cosmetics as a base for face and body masks, as an absorbent material in creams or powders or as a slip modifier.
Kaolin is mined all over the world but especially in hot, wet climates such as those found in tropical rainforest areas. Countries such as Australia, Brazil, France and India have large kaolin mining operations.
Our Ivory clay is perfect for sensitive skins where it gently cleanses leaving a soft, silky after feel. Add it into a gentle foaming cleanser for a moisturized after-feel.
If you are looking for something stronger or for balancing over-oily skin our Olive Green clay makes a perfect drawing agent and purifier! Dry skin sufferers prefer our pastel pink clay which is lighter and less drawing than the green while still delivering minerals to help re-build barrier function.
Montmorillonite-smectite (A common form is aluminium magnesium silicate, Beige Australian Clay, Washed Blue Clay (Bentonite), Yellow Australian Clay, Green French Clay)
This is a very soft crystalline clay often used to build structure in a cosmetic preparation due to the crystals ability to swell and form a three dimensional lattice in water. These clays originate from volcanic ash and are mined across the USA and Europe.
Smectite clays make great cosmetic ingredients due to their dual functionality. Firstly they are great drawing agents, removing toxins and stimulating the skins cleansing processes. Secondly they are effective delivery systems for salts and trace minerals essential for a healthy barrier function.
Our washed blue clay smectite clay is perfect for oily skin or hair as the clay structure draws out excess oils leaving the skin looking and feeling fresher and cleaner than before.
Illite (Red French Clay, Yellow French Clay)
This clay is characterized by its lack of swelling in water and is most often found in sedimentary rocks all over the world. It is great for skins wanting the benefit of extra minerals without being over-drying or drawing on the skin. This clay is a good choice for people who usually can't tolerate clay-containing products, as its drawing activity is low.
Chlorite mineral (the mineral group found in talc)
The most commonly used cosmetic chlorite mineral is talc – the highly purified silicate mineral that has traditionally been used not only to powder babies bottoms but also as a slip and spreading agent in colour cosmetics, an absorbent in powdered minerals and as an astringent to prevent rashes! High purity cosmetic grade talc is carefully screened for safety, as talc can be found in a structural form similar to asbestos, a fact that has caused alarm in some circles. However, cosmetic talc does not take that form and is deemed to be safe for all of the above applications.
But that is not all!
Otherwise we have our Iron Oxides, which include Magnetite (Black Clay) with its high magnetism and drawing power, Ghassoul Clay that originates from Lava stone in morocco. This clay was traditionally used for washing applications, as the clay is super-fine and softening. It makes a perfect alternative to soap cleansers for those with sensitive or extra-dry skin. Lastly we have zeolite, which is different mineral clay. Zeolite draws water very strongly and can also draw toxins from the skin. This makes it feel very hot on the skin, a property that is utilized in self-heating face masks products.
So which will you try first? Here are two starter recipes to get you on your way back to nature - one easy and one a little harder.
Oh and don't forget that the clays make beautiful and interesting additions to your homemade soap bars too!
Have fun!
Simple Mix-and-Use Blend Mask |
Powdered Phase A | APPROX.VOL |
Australian Reef Red Clay | 5g |
Australian Washed Blue Clay | 20g |
Kaolin | 15g |
Chamomile Powder | 20g |
Oil Phase B | APPROX.VOL |
Macadamia Oil | 40g |
Method:
Directions for use:
Precautions:
Disclaimer:
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Pty Ltd expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Pty Ltd as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Pty Ltd is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.
Hydrating Cream Mud Mask |
Phase 1 Ingredients | Percentage | Function |
Water | 60.3 | Carrier |
Aloe Powder | 0.1 | Soothing agent |
Glycerin | 3 | Humectant/ moisturiser |
Hyaluronic Acid | 0.1 | Humectant |
Acacia and Xanthan Gum | 1 | Thickener and stabiliser |
Phase 2 Ingredients | Percentage | Function |
Australian Washed Blue Clay | 10 | Mild drawing and de-toxifying agent |
Kaolin | 5 | For soft skin feel and to help build coverage |
Phase 3 Ingredients | Percentage | Function |
Rice Bran Oil | 10 | Main emollient |
Shea Butter | 4 | Structure agent and to give a good skin feel |
Emulsifying Wax Olive Derived | 5 | To hold the oils and water together |
Phase 4 Ingredients | Percentage | Function |
Plantaserv E | 1 | Preservative for micro control |
Perfume | 0.5 | Aroma |
Method:
Precautions:
Disclaimer:
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Pty Ltd expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Pty Ltd as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Pty Ltd is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.
Amanda Foxon-Hill
3 April 2013