French red clay owes its deep terracotta colour to a high natural iron oxide content. It is moderately absorbent — stronger than pink or white, gentler than green — and that rich colour makes it as popular with soap makers as it is with mask blenders.

Who it suits

A middle-ground clay that works for normal, combination and dull-looking skin. Often chosen for mature skin where green clay feels too stripping.

What people use it for

• Face masks for normal and combination skin
• A natural brick-red to rose colourant in cold process soap
• Body and back masks
• Blending with white clay to soften its strength
• Hair and scalp masks

How to mix a mask

Stir 1–2 teaspoons of clay with roughly an equal amount of water, floral water or aloe until you have a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin, leave for 5–10 minutes and rinse before it dries completely — letting a clay mask crack and flake is what leaves skin feeling tight afterwards. Mix in a glass or ceramic bowl with a wooden or silicone spoon rather than metal.

Why choose this one

• 100% clay — no fragrance, preservatives, fillers or bulking agents
• Superfine milled, so it mixes smooth without grit
• Colour comes from the clay's own minerals, not added pigment
• Versatile across masks, soap making and hair care
• Resealable 100g pack

Storage

Keep in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Only ever mix what you need — moisture getting into the jar will spoil the rest of the powder.

Before you start

For external cosmetic use. Patch test on a small area before first use, as with any new skincare ingredient.

Size: 100g