Garden of Wisdom's French Green Clay is by far one of the most majestic, most effective, and most commonly used mineral skin clays found throughout our global community.
French Green Clay (AKA Illite Clay) contains a cornucopia of valuable elements, which include montmorillonite, several (up to 9) important mineral oxides, magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosphorous, silicon, copper, and selenium. Green clay owes its coloration to 2 very important factors, which ultimately decide a good quality clay from a poor quality clay. They are, iron oxides, and decomposed plant matter…..Yes, that is correct, decomposed plant matter. The natural green tones found in this luxurious clay are from the very cycles of life this earth uses to regenerate itself. When purchasing French Green Clay it is of utmost importance that it is truly green, or off green in color. French Green clay cannot be be white or gray in color ever.
How does it work? Unlike other clay's where key elements work in symbiosis off of each other, French Green Clay contains several elements which act as their own "body". In French Green Clay, each element is responsible for working the outer epidermis (skin) in its own way and in dispensing their biological constituents as best as possible. Here is an analogy… Lets say any other clay has 20 workers, but out of all the 20 workers they only work to the potential of 1 worker, very unproductive indeed. But now, lets look at French Green Clay with its 20 workers. This marvelous clay will work to the potential of 20 workers, not just 1.
The highly micronized, and often fragile molecular state of French Green Clay allows for far greater absorption of impurities, dust, oil, contaminants, and make up then other clay's, and when seeking treatment for the skin, health professionals will always choose French Green over the other varieties.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Very finely milled and gentle green clay. I love to use it as a face wash in between oil cleansing and skincare, not too drying for more mature skin.
Ariana (thank you for all your reviews),
We agree. This clay is so soft and smooth and very gentle on the skin.
We are so happy that you are loving this clay!
Markey
J
JH
Better than bentonite
I love this clay! Its just as effective as bentonite but without being as drying. I use it as a mask, and its gentle enough that I can use it several days in a row. I love bentonite, but its a bit irritating and over drying for me, where as this green clay is not drying. It also goes on much smoother than bentonite, with out the chunks. The texture just feels good overall. Love it!
Waited until I used the whole bottle to review... My rosacea has improved so much using this emulsion!!! I'm in love with the fact that it's a moisturizer with no oils or butters, for I have very dry but easily clogged skin. The oat smell was not a problem for me and became comforting in a strange way LOL! Thank you for making such great products!! <3
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
Nicole B
The BEST Azelaic Acid Product I've Tried
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Sheryl Paradis
Refreshing and calming
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Neroli Orange Blossom Hydrosol Organic
Danyelle Scott, RF, MT, PTA
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row.
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row, and overall I like it. I'll have to use it for much longer to determine just how effective it is. I do, however, really like the rooster derived HA serum, which I have purchased from GOW before, because I know it's the real thing, so to speak, and I don't mind that it's animal sourced, because I'm not a vegetarian, and fowl is being consumed in huge quantities by non vegetarians in any case, i.e., they're not on the endangered species list. :)
Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Khalua Kinard
Amazing!
I love the smell and the glow you have after using it.
Pineapple & Red Wine Exfoliating Gel
Jennifer Goldberg
Can finally tolerate dry air
Can finally tolerate dry air.
Ceramide Hydrating Complex Serum with Cosmocil CQ
SV
Miracle
Beta glucans for the win! This really did wonders for my dry skin. I feel like it does more than HA alone. I have combination skin and eczema and I did not experience any issues regarding acne or irritation.
Oat Enriched Facial Serum
Anonymous
TXA - the wonder drug
I just started using the TXA+Z Radiance Serum so it’s a little too soon to tell if it will help with my dark patches but I think it’s starting to help. As a surgical RN, I am very familiar with TXA (given IV) and find it an amazing and very useful drug in the OR so I have no doubt it will be beneficial on my skin.
Most effective clean aluminum-free plant-based deodorant
I've been using clean plant-based deodorant for a decade, and this seems to do the best job of controlling odors that develop because of hormones, stress, and exercise. When I saw the size of the bottle, I checked to make sure I hadn't ordered the trial size; however, this tiny bottle delivers a lot in a small dot applied to each armpit and will likely last several weeks.
Waited until I used the whole bottle to review... My rosacea has improved so much using this emulsion!!! I'm in love with the fact that it's a moisturizer with no oils or butters, for I have very dry but easily clogged skin. The oat smell was not a problem for me and became comforting in a strange way LOL! Thank you for making such great products!! <3
Hi Grace °❀.ೃ࿔* This made us smile with gratitude. Thank you for taking the time to finish the bottle and then come back to share your experience. That really helps customers understand the product's long-term impact.
This emulsion was created specifically for skin like yours. Very dry, easily congested, and often reactive. We wanted something deeply comforting without relying on oils or butters that can feel too heavy or pore-clogging for some (not all)
skin types, especially rosacea-prone skin.
We love that you mentioned the oat (we think you meant the glutathione) aroma becoming comforting. Although overwhelming at first, this ingredient is incredibly healing and soothing.
Thank you for trusting us with your skin and for such a thoughtful, generous review.
We’re so glad this formula was what your skin desired. ͙֒
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Nicole ❤️ and WOW WOW WOW, thank you so much!
Azelaic acid can be a lifeline for some skin types, and we’re very intentional about keeping this formula simple, focused, and free from common troublemakers that can overwhelm sensitive or reactive skin. We’re especially glad to hear that this version works well for you without feeling harsh, sticky, or pore-clogging. 😲
Your note about preferring azelaic acid itself, rather than derivatives, is exactly why this product exists in its current form. The texture is a deliberate trade-off to keep the formula gentle and effective, and it’s reassuring to know it hasn’t affected our experience.
We appreciate your being a part of the GoW family.
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Thank you, Sheryl,
We all agree here that Neroli in any form is such a delightful experience for the nose and the soul.
We appreciate your being a part of our GoW family.
Markey ͙֒
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row.
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row, and overall I like it. I'll have to use it for much longer to determine just how effective it is. I do, however, really like the rooster derived HA serum, which I have purchased from GOW before, because I know it's the real thing, so to speak, and I don't mind that it's animal sourced, because I'm not a vegetarian, and fowl is being consumed in huge quantities by non vegetarians in any case, i.e., they're not on the endangered species list. :)
Danyelle
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, especially so early on. We truly appreciate how thoughtfully you approach ingredients and sourcing.
Our Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid is intentionally simple and clean, designed to let the ingredient speak for itself over time. You’re absolutely right that hyaluronic acid benefits are best judged with continued use.
We also appreciate your openness in mentioning our rooster-derived hyaluronic acid. Transparency matters to us, and we respect that different customers make different choices based on their values and needs.
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Our goal is always to offer high-quality options clearly labeled so you can choose the option that best aligns with you.
Thank you! for your trust and for being part of the Garden of Wisdom community.
