Clays are common base materials for essential oils usually in the form of masks. Besides the ability of mineral salt to generate heat, clay also aids tissues in releasing toxins and the active surface has a tendency to bind toxins preventing reabsorption into the skin. Clays also aid in exfoliation of dead cells. The following list gives the most commonly found clays:

Green clay is mostly chromium, nickel and copper; best for oily skin, as it reduces sebum production; exfoliates dead skin cells.

White clay is pure aluminum oxide with traces of zinc oxide; marginally drying, best suited for detoxification, and balancing sebum; milder than green.

Red clay contains iron; suited for cleansing and toning normal skin; generally all purpose.

Blue clay contains cobalt salts; best for anti-inflammative effects and to draw out toxins; used for acne (cystic), cysts and sensitive skin.

Pink clay is soothing, cleansing, hydrating and detoxifying; exfoliates dead cells; more suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Pascalite clay is from Big Horn Mountains (Wyoming, USA) and contains variety of minerals: silicon, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, titanium, manganese, barium, cobalt, boron, etc. This clay is for all skin types, very gentle, and non-irritating.

White kaolin gives astringent and drying effect, detoxifies skin, improves lymphatic flow and increases blood flow to area; best on normal to oily skin.

Fuller’s earth is soft and brown, stimulates epidermis, exfoliates dead cells; useful on oily to normal skin only.