#AskTheDoc: Why You Need Montmorillonite for Large, Congested Pores.
Proven Effective to Shrink + Decongest Pores Without Over-Drying.
Detox, detox, detox.
Everyone’s doing it, and if you use clay-based products in your skincare routine, you are too!
Heck, people are not ingesting Bentonite Clay for intestinal detoxification (please note, ALWAYS consult with your doctor before doing any form of internal detox.)
The most common clays used topically in skincare are known to be Bentonite, Kaolin, and more recently and notably, Montmorillonite!
As you may know however, not all ingredients within the same family are created equally, and are as effective when used on the skin. Considering Montmorillonite Clay has made b.glen’s Clay Wash cleanser and Clay Lotion hydrating tonics’ our most-loved formulas to date, we needed to consult with b.glen CSO, Dr. Brian Keller on just what exactly makes Montmorillonite shine so bright!
Dr. Keller, where does Montmorillonite Clay come from, and why did you choose this clay over all others while formulating b.glen’s Clay Wash and Clay Lotion?
Dr. Keller: “The clay mineral Montmorillonite was named after Montmorillon, a small town in central-western France, after its discovery there in 1847.
Actually, clay minerals, including Montmorillonite, are found in abundance all over the earth today and have been used widely in healthcare and pharmaceutical formulation.
The wide use of Montmorillonite in healthcare products is mainly due to its versatile properties such as: high absorption capacity and unique surface area, ion-exchange capacity, colloid and thixotropy (the property of becoming less viscous when subjected to an applied stress, shown for example by some gels which become temporarily fluid when shaken or stirred), chemical inertness, swelling property, and, above all, low toxicity.
We chose Montmorillonite for Clay Wash and Clay Lotion because it is a purer form of clay, and does not dehydrate the skin, as common with most clay-based formulations.”
Who should use products with Montmorillonite? Will it be too harsh for sensitive skin?
Dr. Keller: “Montmorillonite containing products are so versatile that everyone can use them.”
“I ran across a study showing that Montmorillonite is more effective for and more quickly improved Diaper Dermatitis than the other topical agents. Montmorillonite has also been used effectively to treat dermal problems, such as Contact Dermatitis. In addition, it has been used as a base for other skincare products including sunscreens because it can stabilize zinc and help it combine with oil and water. So, it is effective for very young to very mature skin.”
What other products (and/or ingredients) pair well with products with Montmorillonite Clay?
Dr. Keller: “Because Montmorillonite is inert, and therefore doesn’t react with other chemicals, it is compatible with a wide-range of products. Our Clay Wash is an ideal gentle cleanser that effectively removes unwanted dirt, oils and pollution particles.”
“Clay Lotion can be used in combination with most products as an add-on to improve skin tone and breathable moisture.”
How does Montmorillonite Clay differ from products as a charcoal-based cleanser?
Dr. Keller: “Montmorillonite is formed naturally by the weathering of volcanic ash, whereas commercial charcoal that is found in cleansers and other products is man-made by burning animal and vegetation substances (hard woods) and removing the water. Charcoal is essentially 99% carbon powder.”
“Montmorillonite has totally different and unique properties. It occurs naturally as a solid, earthy substance and is formed with three layers. The top and bottom layers are formed using silicone and linked together with the middle layer sandwiched in between. In addition to its use in skincare products it can also be used as a filter, binder, mild abrasive, absorbent, as well as a catalyst.”
What other nutrients are found in Montmorillonite Clay that might not be found in a clay like Bentonite Clay (for example)?
Dr. Keller: “Montmorillonite is a major active component of Bentonite and a multifunctional clay mineral with unique properties, such as swelling and adsorption. Ions and minerals found in Montmorillonite are magnesium, iron, lithium, oxygen and silicon.”
“Raw Bentonite is composed of diverse mineral substances, such as quartz, cristobalite, feldspars, zeolites, and several kinds of clay minerals. Above all, the major component of Bentonite is Montmorillonite. The swelling and adsorption properties of Bentonite are actually due to Montmorillonite. Purified Montmorillonite is necessary for the medical applications including Clay Wash and Clay Lotion, and it can only be obtained by purifying raw Bentonite.”
All in all, whilst the clays do have much in common, purified Montmorillonite has given way to our creamy, non-drying formulas, Clay Wash and Clay Lotion. When used in combination with one another, these products have proven to be incredibly effective for combating mild active acne, and brightening the skin. Many have found b.glen clay products superior to other clay products, as most clay-based products will over-dry the skin, leading to further PH imbalances in the long run.
See for yourself why over 1.7 million consumers worldwide are loving Clay Wash and Clay Lotion.
BONUS: When purchasing both Clay Wash and Clay Lotion together, add one more product to your cart, with our monthly Subscription, and save up to 50%OFF.
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