
DIY Glacial Clay Face Mask – Purify, Brighten, and Nourish Naturally
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Sourced from ancient glacial deposits in Aotearoa, Zurma’s Glacial Clay is rich in minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It gently exfoliates, helps unclog pores, calms inflammation, and supports the skin's natural barrier. When paired with nourishing nut and seed oils and gentle essential oils, it becomes a balanced, multi-tasking mask that suits most skin types.
Glacial Clay Facial Mask Recipe (Single Use)
Best for: Oily, congested, combination, sensitive or dull skin types.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Zurma Glacial Clay
1–2 teaspoons water, Zurma hydrosol (like lavender, rose, or manuka), or cooled herbal tea
½ teaspoon jojoba, apricot kernel, or macadamia oil (for nourishment)
Optional: 1–2 drops lavender, frankincense, or geranium essential oil
How to Make
In a ceramic or glass bowl, combine the clay and liquid of choice (start with 1 tsp and add more if needed). Stir gently with a non-metal spoon to form a smooth paste. Add your chosen oil and essential oil last, and mix to blend.
How to Use
Apply a thin, even layer to clean, damp skin using fingertips or a brush. Avoid the eye and lip area. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it begins to dry but is still slightly tacky—don’t wait for it to crack completely. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry, and follow with a hydrosol mist and light facial oil or serum.
Frequency
1–2 times a week is ideal. For dry or sensitive skin, reduce frequency or add more oil to soften the blend.
Why It Works
Glacial Clay helps detoxify the skin by drawing out impurities, environmental toxins, and excess oil without being overly drying. Its fine, smooth texture also gives a gentle exfoliating effect to help remove dead skin cells.
Rich in trace minerals, glacial clay supports cellular repair, boosts circulation, and helps tighten pores—resulting in a brighter, firmer-looking complexion.
Nut and seed oils like jojoba, apricot kernel, and macadamia provide hydration, antioxidant protection, and essential fatty acids that help nourish and rebalance the skin.
Essential oils like lavender, geranium, frankincense, and tea tree can support everything from calming inflammation and fighting breakouts to improving skin tone and radiance.
This is not just a cleansing treatment—it’s also a mineral infusion and a balancing ritual for the skin.
Variations
For dry or sensitive skin:
Use rose hydrosol + sweet almond oil + 1 drop lavender essential oil
For oily or congested skin:
Use manuka hydrosol or peppermint tea + jojoba oil + 1 drop tea tree or rosemary essential oil
For brightening and glow:
Use cooled green tea + apricot oil + 1 drop frankincense + a few drops of honey
A Few Tips
Always mix clay in a non-metal bowl using a wooden or ceramic spoon.
Don’t allow the mask to dry and crack fully—rinse while still slightly damp to avoid dehydrating the skin.
Store dry clay in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place. Mix fresh for each application.
Patch test essential oils if you’re sensitive or using a new ingredient for the first time.
This mask is more than a once-off detox—it’s a gentle, mineral-rich treatment that can help reset your skin, restore clarity, and keep your glow balanced naturally. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or winding down after a long week, it’s a grounding way to care for your skin.