April 20, 2018
Glacial Oceanic Clay: How Does It Compare?
Clay-based skincare is ‘taking off’ as consumers tap into the power of natural Earth ingredients, but not all clay is equal. Understanding why some clays are better than others and which types are suitable for you is important. NENA Glacial Skincare uses pure Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay, the world’s rarest and most unique clay. By looking at the ingredients of most clay-based skincare products (the most popular being the Clay Mask), we often these types of clay: Kaolin, Bentonite, and French Clay. How do they stack up?
Bentonite: Found pretty much everywhere around the world, Bentonite is a “catch-all” clay type. “Bentonite” is a broad term and includes clay sub-types like Illite and Kaolin Clay, among others. Derived from volcanic ash, it is a classic “swelling clay” that greatly expands with moisture. A common characteristic of Bentonite Clay is that it absorbs moisture more so than other clays. (Not a great choice for sensitive or dry skin.) Kaolin: A subtype of Bentonite Clay, Kaolin. It is one of the most abundant clays on Earth and also the least absorbent clay. It’s low cation-exchange capacity (minerals pulling toxins out of the skin) means it is not an effective “magnet” for drawing out impurities, which is often the goal with a clay mask. Because of its ‘neutral’ nature, it is often recommended for dry or sensitive skin types. Interestingly, it is used in many industries besides skincare: from paint, to toothpaste, farming, lightbulbs, and (most commonly) in the production of paper! French (Illite) Clay: Does not only come from France, although it was originally mined there. Now it is also found in other locations around the world. Also called “Green Clay,” it has a characteristic green and sometimes rusty colour due to its iron content and/or plant material. Often favoured by people with oily skin types, French Clay acts like a sponge with mighty detoxification power. It is a choice clay of some aestheticians for its efficacy—and, it must be said, it’s chic cache—but it is generally more expensive. So, what makes NENA Glacial Clay different? We’re glad you asked!
- Gentle yet powerful: NENA Clay is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and dry skins as it draws impurities out of the skin, while simultaneously pulling moisture to the surface from within the skin, while gently exfoliating. It leaves the skin clear, clean and soft, and, most importantly, hydrated.
- Rich Mineral Deposits: The convergence of glaciers and Northern Pacific Ocean waters over millennia has created a rich deposit of pristine clay, rich with more than 60 minerals and rare earth elements. And its thanks to these minerals that Glacial Oceanic Clay has an exceptionally high cation-exchange capacity, meaning it is a mighty magnet for toxins and impurities!
- Pure and Pristine: Glacial Oceanic Clay is sourced nowhere else in the world aside from the Northern Pacific Coast of Canada, in a remote geographical location that is hard to access and uncontaminated by population or by industry. It can be harvested only at specific times of the year, in specific atmospheric conditions making the Canadian clay coveted for its rarity.