Illite

French green clay's government name is usually Illite. "French" is about where it's traditionally mined, and the green comes from the iron-bearing minerals in it.

Superhero or supervillain?

Superhero. Its superpower is absorbing oil. It's thirstier than kaolin, so it's a good match for skin that gets shiny.

What it does in my skincare

In soap, French green clay gives a soft sage-green color. Like many natural colors, it can soften over time. In a clay mask, it soaks up excess oil on the skin's surface and leaves skin feeling clean.