Igor MarcikicMany who tried Aztec clay agree that this is the best product they have ever tried. The clay mask possesses natural minerals that are very nourishing for the skin. It penetrates the skin and binds impurities and pollutants that your facial cleanser cannot.
For those who are wondering if Aztec clay can ever expire, the answer is NO. It will not expire as long as you store it properly.
What is an Aztec clay mask?
The Aztec clay mask contains only one ingredient - bentonite clay, which is a fine clay derived from aged volcanic ash. This type of clay has been used as a skin treatment for thousands of years.
Many different cultures have used it for traditional practices and remedies for thousands of years.
Bentonite contains a plethora of substances that are gentle on your skin and help remove impurities from it without disrupting the natural pH balance.
Bentonite also possesses the necessary properties to be considered a treatment for a wide variety of conditions and ailments and has even been proven to increase the number of collagen fibers in the skin.
Can I Use an Expired Aztec Clay Mask?
Much like with other types of cosmetic products, producers of Aztec clay masks are required by law to include an expiry date on the product packaging. However, due to the fact that Aztec clay masks are nothing but volcanic ash, which is a 100% natural ingredient and doesn't expire in nature, many users continue to use them well after the expiration date.
The rule of thumb is that if the Aztec clay mask has expired but is still in usable condition, you can keep using it. If the color, smell, consistency, or other characteristics of the clay have changed in any way, you should not use it because it could potentially irritate your skin.
Even if your clay looks and smells perfectly fine, you should still practice caution. This is especially true if your Aztec clay mask contains additional ingredients, in which case it might be best to discard it properly just so you don't irritate your skin.
In a nutshell, inspect your clay for any changes in smell, appearance, or texture and, depending on how sensitive your skin is, decide whether to continue using it or not. A patch test could be of great help in making this decision.
How long does an Aztec clay mask last?
Aztec/bentonite clay does last longer than other clays and, in theory, does not go bad since you can portion it into smaller amounts. This way, you don't need to open the original packaging each and every time you want to apply the mask, and thus there is less chance of contamination.
Masks in general have a shelf life of no more than six months. An Aztec clay mask, on the other hand, can last 1 to 2 years after the manufacturing date.
What Is The Best Way To Store Aztec Clay?
The biggest problem with clay in general, including Aztec or bentonite clay, is that it can dry out pretty easily. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prolong the shelf-life of your Aztec clay mask and it should come as no surprise that all of them involve proper storage of the mask between uses.
Store it in glass or BPA-free plastic containers. We recommend these specific containers since there are no harmful chemicals in them that could leak into your Aztec clay mask and interact with bentonite. Avoid using metal containers, since clay and metal usually don't go well together. This is because clay can ionize metal, and as a result, the composition of your clay mask can get altered and the metal container can get rusty.
Make sure your container is airtight. The lid should be tight enough to prevent any air from entering the container. Also, make sure to add a layer of plastic wrap underneath the lid if the fit is loose, and again, make sure to avoid BPA.
Keep your container somewhere cool and dry. A kitchen cabinet or pantry should do the trick. So don't put your clay mask somewhere too cold since it's possible that it will harden. If this happens, it's still not the end of the world and it doesn't mean you should throw your mask away. It should still be fine to use, but it will probably be much harder for you to get it out of the container. Also, make sure your Aztec clay mask is kept out of direct sunlight.
Should You Refrigerate an Aztec Clay Mask?
When it comes to skin care, cooler does not always imply better. We learned that the optimal temperature for Aztec clay storage is somewhere around room temperature. Unless your refrigerator works in this temperature range, it is probably best to avoid putting your Aztec clay in it. That is, unless you like your clay hard as a rock.
The Bottom Line
Considering the fact that Aztec clay masks consist of pure bentonite clay, which is an ingredient present in nature, it should not go bad, at least theoretically.
However, there are some other things to consider when buying bentonite products, such as storage. If you don't store your clay mask properly, meaning in the right conditions and in the right containers, it may lose its effectiveness or get contaminated.
On the other hand, if you take care of your mask in the ways we recommend, you should be able to use it past its expiration date. In any case, we urge you to be guided by common sense, and in case of any changes in the mask's appearance or smell, discontinue using it and discard it properly.
