This refers to the I.N.C.I. name used to denote thegreen clay. This purifying compound is ideal for oily or blemished skin due to its sebum-regulating, healing and softening properties. Its composition of minerals and trace elements also gives it soothing effects.
What is "Illite" and what is its usefulness?
Published on June 20, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 3 min of reading
Illite or Green Clay: What exactly is it?
Clays are sedimentary rocks derived from the degradation of the parent rock. The characteristics of clays vary depending on the nature of the parent rock and environmental conditions.
Illite, or green clay, primarily results from the degradation of basic magnetic rocks under the influence of a cold climate. It takes its name from the American state of Illinois, where it was first described in 1937. It is composed of three layers of phyllosilicates, a layer of aluminium (Al) surrounded by two layers of silicate (Si). It also contains other minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, etc.
Illite is obtained through extraction from a natural quarry, followed by a crushing and fine grinding process. No chemical reactions occur. Only a subsequent heat treatment is necessary to prevent microbiological contaminations.
The cosmetic virtues of illite.
Thanks to its structure of separated layers with interlayer spaces (a "lamellar" structure), illite has excellent absorbent propertiesIt is capable of capturing impurities and bacteria present on the skin and also on the scalp... Moreover, it also absorbs excess sebum. This property makes it particularly relevant for the care of oily, acne-prone skin and greasy scalps.
Furthermore, the presence of mineral salts on the surface of this compound gives it a negative charge. In solution, the negative charges attract the positive ions present on the skin's surface. This ionic exchange contributes to the remineralisation and detoxification of the skin.
It is also noteworthy to mention the deodorising effectiveness of green clay. It neutralises odours and absorbs excessive perspiration, thus justifying its inclusion in certain deodorants.
Illite at Typology.
Green clay is present in two galenic forms:
Our purifying mask with charcoal and organic nettlecleanses the skin without drying it out, regulates sebum production and fights against blemishes. It contains sebum-regulating nettle, mattifying pine charcoal and purifying green clay.
Our purifying soap effectively cleanses the skin gently and without aggression, thanks to the 8% superfat it contains. Superfat refers to the amount of vegetable oil remaining after the saponification reaction, the higher the percentage, the softer and more nourishing the soap is.
