How long does clay last?

[Soaps by SunRise]

I have kaolin and illite clay I received in a mystery box from WSP, only used them once, and this was like 5 years ago.  Do they go bad?

 

I was thinking of using them for face masks.  They do look ok, but maybe I should toss them?

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

[TallTayl]

17 hours ago, Soaps by SunRise said:

I have kaolin and illite clay I received in a mystery box from WSP, only used them once, and this was like 5 years ago.  Do they go bad?

 

I was thinking of using them for face masks.  They do look ok, but maybe I should toss them?

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

If kept tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment clay should be ok as far as not “going bad”. Clay itself has come from the earth, but was cleaned in a lab for end use. I use different clays in pottery glazes and clay bodies that do mold if they get wet. In pottery we don’t care since the kiln kills everything organic during the different firings at up to 2,000*F for 12 hours, lol.

 

For a face mask, I would be inclined to spread it on a tray in the oven and bake at 175+ *F for at least 30 minutes to kill any potential spores to be on the safe side.

 

you can use clays on cold process soap with less fear since the lye should destroy any spores. 

[Soaps by SunRise]

Thank you!