Clay masks have risen in popularity and for a good reason. 

When used correctly, clay masks can help to heal and soothe the skin, whilst boosting your natural glow! There are many different types of clay and each have their own unique properties and are more suitable for a certain skin type. 

We have listed the best face masks in their order of absorbing powers! Find the best face mask for you! 

KAOLIN CLAY

Kaolin Clay is also refer to as WHITE CLAY. It is the most gentle and therefore is suitable for dry, sensitive skin. It also has disinfectant properties, making it great for acne prone skin. 

It is rich in minerals such as Calcium, Silica, Magnesium, and Zinc. 

 YELLOW CLAY

Yellow kaolin clay is slightly more absorbent and exfoliating but still remains gentle enough for sensitive skin. This can be more circulation-boosting, thus good as brightening masks. 

FRENCH PINK CLAY

Beautiful for sensitive skin, French Pink Clay is made up of a mixture of Red Clay and White Clay. It has soothing and calming properties especially for skin irritations and acne prone skin.

French clay is made up of Calcite, Iron, Illite, and Montmorillonite.

FRENCH GREEN CLAY

French green clay is good for exfoliating, oily skin and boosting skin circulation by drawing blood to the surface of the skin. It can also be called Illite Clay or Sea Clay, the green color comes from the amount of decomposed plant material and iron oxide. The depth of colour can be used to determine the quality of the clay - it should be very green.

AUSTRALIAN RED REEF CLAY

Australian red clay is recognised by it's deep vibrant red colour. This clay has super absorbing powers, making it a good choice for detoxifying; is great for normal skin to oily or acne prone skin. 

It also has a very high Iron Oxide content (hence the deep red colour) and vast array of minerals, making it great as a regenerative, replenishing ingredient.

 BENTONITE CLAY

Bentonite clay is recognised by it's light beige colour, is super absorbing and great for oily, acne prone skin. When mixed with water, its electrical and molecular components change and produce electrical charges. This causes it to swell and become like a porous, open sponge to soak up excess oil, bacteria and debris via electrical attraction.

FULLER'S EARTH CLAY

This is a naturally-occurring clay made from volcanic ash and is rich in Magnesia, Silica, Iron Oxides, Lime, and Water. It is recognised by it's muddy volcanic ash colour. 

It is one of the strongest, most powerful clay available and not recommended for dry or sensitive skin. We would not recommend using this more than once a week as it can be over drying. 

It is unique in the fact that it has a bleaching effect on the skin.

 Author: Helen Huynh - pharmacist and editor for ellé derm australia

Helen is also contactable via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellederm/