Argiletz white clay: a gentle face mask for delicate skin

Long before it reached our bathrooms, white clay made the reputation of porcelain makers. Kaolin takes its name from Gaoling, a hill in China near Jingdezhen, the great porcelain city. The same fineness that once allowed potters to shape translucent cups makes it one of the gentlest clays for the face today.

What is kaolinite white clay?

Clays differ in their mineral make-up, which gives them their colour and texture. White clay, or kaolin, consists mainly of a mineral called kaolinite. It is known for its gentleness, which makes it the clay of choice for delicate skin.

According to the product sheet, Argiletz white clay is an ultra-gentle kaolinite with a more neutral pH. Air-classified to an ultra-fine grade, it comes as a fine powder of about 20 microns, a natural source of minerals. The sheet states that it respects the skin, even sensitive skin, and helps reveal a radiant complexion: it is recommended for dull skin. It is sold in a 200 g pack.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it as a mask, for gentle cleansing, or as a cosmetic poultice.

The face mask, step by step

• Put one or two tablespoons of clay into a glass or ceramic bowl.
• Gradually add water or a floral water, such as true lavender or cornflower, and stir with a wooden or plastic spatula until you have a smooth paste, neither too runny nor too thick.
• Apply an even layer to clean skin, avoiding the eye area and lips.
• Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. The clay should not dry out completely: if it feels tight, mist it with a little floral water.
• Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply your usual moisturiser.

Once or twice a week is usually enough. Leftover paste does not keep, so mix only what you need each time.

As a cosmetic poultice

For a smaller area, such as the hands or the neckline, prepare a slightly thicker paste, spread it on a piece of gauze or thin cloth and place it on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing.

Precautions

Please note. For external use only. Avoid the eye area, lips and broken skin. If your skin is very reactive, test the paste on a small area first. If you notice redness or discomfort, rinse it off straight away. Close the pack tightly after use and keep it dry. If you are following a dermatological treatment, ask for advice before use.

Our products

• Argiletz white clay, 200 g – ultra-fine kaolinite for sensitive and dull skin.
• True lavender floral water, 200 ml – for mixing the clay gently.
• Cornflower floral water, 200 ml – another option for your mask.

Gentleness in its simplest form

A powder, a little water and a ten-minute break: white clay offers simple, no-frills care that suits even the most delicate skin. To choose the right floral water to go with it or decide how often to use a mask, the team at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains will be glad to advise you.