French Green Clay, also known as Illite or Montmorillonite, is one of nature’s most versatile healing materials. With its distinct green color, which comes from a combination of iron oxides and decomposed plant matter, it has long been used for its beauty and health properties.

Origins 

French Green Clay is primarily mined from the bedrock quarries in the south of France, a region known for its rich deposits of minerals. Its history is deeply rooted in ancient practices.

In the ancient times, French Green Clay was used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its therapeutic properties. It was believed to have the ability to absorb toxins and impurities, both internally and externally. Egyptian nobility, for instance, used it in their skincare regimen to maintain youthful, radiant skin. The Greeks and Romans employed it for its healing and antiseptic properties, using it to treat wounds and alleviate aches.

One of the fascinating tales that surround French Green Clay dates back to the time of the Crusaders. They were known to carry a small amount of the clay with them, which they would mix with water and apply to wounds to expedite healing and ward off infections.

Benefits and Applications

French Green Clay is renowned for its remarkable absorbent properties, which make it especially beneficial in skincare. It’s highly effective in absorbing excess oils, which helps to balance the skin and prevent breakouts. This is why it’s a popular ingredient in facial masks and treatments for oily and acne–prone skin.

Moreover, the clay is a natural exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin cells and promote a more vibrant complexion. Its rich mineral content, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium, nourishes the skin and helps to rejuvenate cells.

Beyond skincare, French Green Clay has also found its place in hair care products. It’s used in hair masks  soaps and shampoos to absorb excess oil from the scalp, leaving the hair clean and voluminous.

In addition to topical applications, French Green Clay has been used in alternative medicine for internal detoxification. While this practice is less common today, it is still used by some as a natural remedy to remove toxins from the body.

Sourcing and Usage

French Green Clay is extracted through sustainable mining practices. It is then sun-dried, which is an important process as it is believed that the clay’s potency is activated by the sun’s rays. It is subsequently ground into a fine powder.