Where is our clay sourced from?
Our Glacial Clay is sourced from the pristine South Island of New Zealand. This unique deposit was formed over three million years ago through the combination of volcanic ash from the Banks Peninsula being deposited into a freshwater glacial lake at the foothills of the Southern Alps.
The clay is a mineral rich green Nontronite healing clay which is a subclass of the smectite clay group and is very rare only being found on a handful of locations around the world. This particular clay deposit is extremely remote allowing it to remain pure, consistent and unaltered. Nothing is added (organic and chemical free) in the extraction and processing of the resource. Nontronite clay is rich in organic and inorganic elements which is why it is commonly used in skin care products to detoxify, absorb excess oils, and promote a healthy complexion.
The overall clay resource consists of several millions of tonnes and averages about 60 metres deep. Other clay deposits around the world are typically between 1m to 3m thick, with the top third usually contaminated with sand which makes it inconsistent and difficult to ensure purity.
At New Zealand Glacial Clay we recognize that sustainable business practices are fundamental to our future. We are respectful in the knowledge that our deposit of precious Nontronite clay is a finite reserve and we endeavor to process it in such a way that maximizes the potential of the resource whilst maintaining care for the environment and ensuring high sustainability standards and policies.
‘Removed without compromising our environmental and social responsibility’
What is Nontronite and why is it special?
Our Nontronite clay is internationally unique green healing clay and there is no commercially prepared mineral that is comparable. This is a premium cosmetic product ingredient.
Five of the minerals unique selling points are:
100% natural product
Mineralogy
Purity
Very high CEC
pH neutral
Our clay resource is the only commercially available Nontronite in the world. As far as we have been able to research it is the only identifiable freshwater glacial clay so it’s mineralogy, neutral pH, properties and characteristics are very unique and rare.
The clay is a 100% natural product and free from chemical processing. From being extracted from the ground to the finished dried powder form, it is processed by drying and milled down to 45 microns. Due to the size of the resource the clay purity sits at 91% which is exceptionally high, so its consistency is well proven.
Nontronite clay has a naturally high negative charge, known as Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), which attracts and binds to positive charges in chemicals and toxins on the skin, effectively removing them. With a CEC of 81Meq/100g, Nontronite's detoxifying power surpasses other clays like Montmorillonite, Illite, and Kaolin, making it highly effective in cosmetic applications. This high CEC allows for greater detoxification with less product, which is why our Nontronite based clay face mask is both potent and gentle, promoting radiant, glowing skin. Combined with natural NZ plant extracts and essential oils, our mask provides a chemical-free solution for healthy, purified skin.
History of the clay
Clay has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with evidence suggesting its use as far back as prehistoric times. Early humans instinctively recognized the healing properties of clay, utilizing it to treat a wide range of ailments, from food poisoning and infections to aches and pains. The therapeutic use of clay was likely inspired by the behavior of animals, many of which instinctively seek out minerals for their own health. Early humans mimicked these behaviors, using ochres, mud, and clay mixed with water to soothe irritations, cleanse the skin, and even promote healing for wounds. These ancient practices were not only about survival but also linked to early beauty rituals, with clay becoming an essential part of spa treatments and skin care.
Minerals, the building blocks of life, play a vital role in the body’s many processes, from the digestion of nutrients to hormone production. Clay is a natural source of these essential minerals, and its uses for both internal and external health benefits have endured across cultures and centuries. The Greeks were among the first to document its therapeutic use, with Aristotle noting that humans deliberately consumed clay for its healing properties. Marco Polo, centuries later, described how Muslim pilgrims in the Middle East used "pink earth" to cure fevers, a practice still observed in some communities today. Indigenous groups in the Americas, Africa, and Australia have long used clay for medicinal and preventive purposes, sometimes consuming it to guard against toxins or using it in healing ceremonies. Even today, in many parts of the world, clay remains a trusted natural remedy for skin care and overall wellness, proving that its healing power transcends time and culture.
The Benefits of our clay
Our clay is packed with antioxidants that combat free radical damage, which can be caused by natural body processes, environmental factors like pollution and UV exposure, and the natural aging process. Nontronite clay is an excellent exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells, prevent blockages, and create a smoother, more even skin tone. It is also a powerful detoxifier, drawing out impurities such as excess sebum, which can contribute to acne and blackheads. The minerals in green clay promote faster healing of blemishes without leaving scars and help firm the skin by stimulating circulation, which supports lymphatic drainage and reduces puffiness, especially under the eyes. Regular use improves skin texture, promotes collagen production, and enhances skin elasticity, leaving it more youthful and radiant.
Nontronite clay’s naturally negative electrical charge allows it to attract and bind to positively charged toxins in the skin, aiding in the removal of acne-causing bacteria, reducing fine lines, and diminishing the appearance of capillaries. Its nano-sized particles penetrate deeply into the skin to cleanse pores, remove excess oil, and deliver rejuvenating minerals below the dermis. Rich in silica and other minerals, Nontronite is suitable for all skin types and can reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and improve moisture retention for a brighter, clearer complexion.
In addition to its topical benefits, Nontronite clay, when used in baths, can help detoxify the body, improve oxygen levels in cells, and accelerate recovery from illness or physical activity. When used in face masks, Nontronite helps purify, balance, and rejuvenate the skin, making it an effective treatment for acne, rosacea, and signs of aging, while also promoting cell renewal and collagen production. Its high iron content further aids in improving complexion and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Regular facial cleansing is an important factor in helping the skin maintain a proper pH level enabling sufficient water and product retention for proper skin hydration. If we don’t use the right cleanser the rest of the products we apply may not work to the best of their ability, compromising product absorption and penetration to the deeper dermal layers of the skin.
A lot of cleansers found in supermarkets and pharmacies contain harsh chemical ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate. The highest risk of using products with SLS and SLES for example is irritation. This irritation can cause problems with your eyes, skin, mouth, and even your lungs. For people with sensitive skin, sulphates may also clog pores and cause acne. This is just one ingredient of many that can be causing your body more harm than good.
‘Replace synthetic ingredients for natural alternatives in your skincare products’
