The Clean Dirt
brightening exfoliant treatment
$75 / 200ml
An energizing blend of cleansing clays, warming spices, and restorative salts lifts impurities while a surge of H20-activated Vitamin C encourages cellular rejuvenation and undeniable luminosity.
Our original powder-to-mousse cult favorite transforms and refines the skin’s appearance and functionality through impressively-effective exfoliation. This stimulating treatment reduces congestion, discoloration, and post-acne marks, leaving you velvety smooth and gorgeously radiant.
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- ATAlison T.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Clean DirtI recommend this productRated 5 out of 5 starsYesterdaygreat exfoliator
Great exfoliator especially when combined with the blue cocoon and youth dew! Makes my skin feel so fresh, smooth and healthy!
Was this helpful? - HHeatherVerified ReviewerReviewingThe Clean DirtI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? sensitive, dry/dehydrated, red, flushed, heatedRated 5 out of 5 stars2 days agoThe Clean Dirt
Awesome! I love this product! Such a luxuries way to use dirt... LOL
Was this helpful? - JSJennifer S.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Clean DirtI recommend this productWhat are your skin concerns? dry/dehydrated, sensitiveRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoMy favorite
Hands down one of my favorite products that may makes. The smell is amazing and my skin always feels so clean afterwards
Was this helpful? - NSNikki S.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Clean DirtI recommend this productRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoSo soft
I LOVE the clean dirt. I use it combined with the honey mud every other day. My skin feels so amazing! I’m honestly shocked at how soft my skin is, I never wear makeup anymore and don’t feel uncomfortable without it! The only thing I’ll say to people who are reading reviews and aren’t convinced by now (you should be! It’s worth every penny!), don’t store on a high shelf in the shower. I just knocked over my new bottle, and it didn’t make it. The blue cocoon has dropped many a time, but sadly the clean dirt had to be cleaned up, my mistake! Still 5 star product, will still continue to buy for life. Every MLS product is absolutely fantastic, smells amazing and WORKS! ❤️
Was this helpful? - CBClare B.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Clean DirtI recommend this productRated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agothe best exfoliator
the best exfoliator for keeping skin clear and glowing!
Was this helpful?
microdermabrasion. power button. magic dust.
The Clean Dirt’s efficacy is legendary. The fine, fresh-milled powder formula transforms when introduced to water into a rich, fizzing, glow-inducing mousse. Our brightening powerhouse delivers from your very first use, with noticeable results only compounding with time and consistency.
Treat yourself 2-3x/weekly to:
brighten and even skin tone.
fade acne scars & discoloration.
support healthy skin cell turnover.
enhance absorption of moisturizers, like The Blue Cocoon & The Youth Dew.
The Result
A remarkably fresh complexion that will have you cooing like a newborn.
The Ritual
Activate one true teaspoon of powder with just shy of equal parts water to form a soft mousse. Massage into shower-softened, damp skin with the pads of your fingertips, leaving for a few minutes. Rinse, facing into the water and letting the shower stream rehydrate and easily wash the formula away.
Continue your massage for another minute after the grains have rinsed clear - often, you can feel dead skin releasing at your fingertips in this step! This is where the real magic is.
To maximize your results & pleasure…
Use a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to bring The Clean Dirt to its characteristic fluffy, fizzy, mousse texture. Don’t skimp!
Begin in the shower with steam-softened skin for best results.
Pair The Clean Dirt with your hair care, treating yourself on shampooing days to discover your perfect rhythm.
Keep massaging even after you’ve rinsed to fully shed built-up dead skin.
Don’t forget to treat your neck, chest, shoulders, armpits(!), and even feet.
Use our masque treatment bowl and facial treatment brush to minimize mess and maximize ease when blending from powder to mousse.
Ingredients
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*Certified Organic
**Fair Trade Certified
+Component of Essential Oil
•Sea Salt and Kaolin (Red Alaea Clay) as Red Alaea Sea Salt
Microbiome-friendly
Kaolin
Our gorgeous white halloysite clay is the mildest of all clays and my absolute favorite for addressing the needs of clients with sensitive skin. It stimulates circulation while gently exfoliating and providing cleansing action. Unlike other clays, white halloysite does not draw oils from the skin, so it can be used even on deeply dehydrated complexions to restore balance.
Featured in: The Honey Mud and The Clean Dirt
Rhassoul Clay
Our red rhassoul is a truly exquisite, therapeutic quality clay from ancient deposits unearthed from the fertile Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is sun-dried and untreated and contains high percentages of silica and magnesium. Rhassoul clay boasts a high negative charge that enables it to draw out blackheads, congestion, and other impurities from skin with ease without disrupting your natural oil balance. This is the ultimate spa clay and achieves results like none other.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is an effective exfoliant, brightening and toning the skin, reducing congestion and stagnation, and providing natural antibacterial properties that are helpful in acne-prone and reactive skin. When combined with fresh, water-activated Vitamin C and mineral-rich salts, the fizzing effect and extraordinary brightening and refining results The Problem Solver and The Clean Dirt are famous for is born.
It’s important to note that sodium bicarbonate on its own is alkaline, and the key in formulation is always respect to proportion and integration with other complementary ingredients. Sodium Bicarbonate is an incredible asset to skin when used at a proper ratio and balanced by an acid - in our case, our antioxidant superpower Vitamin C.
Our formulations are designed to stay within a 4 - 5.5 pH range on a scale of 1-14, with 1 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most alkaline. This can vary slightly due to the natural ingredients from batch to batch, as well as more significantly with the influence of your own water source when blending each fresh treatment. This range is ideal as the outer layer of the skin needs to be slightly acidic to maintain proper skin-barrier function.
Featured in: The Problem Solver and The Clean Dirt
Vitamin C
Long considered one of the most essential nutrients, Vitamin C is a critical component in the health of our skin and our bodies as a whole. One significant role of this foundational vitamin is the formation and maintenance of collagen, the basis of the connective tissue found in our skin, bones, and teeth. Collagen, and therefore Vitamin C, is vital for supporting and shaping our body and skin and helping wounds to heal. A powerful antioxidant, it prevents free radicals from generating, offering much-needed protection from daily aggressors such as stress, pollution, and environmental exposure.
Vitamin C plays a critical role in not only protecting our skin cells but in creating and maintaining them as well. With it, you are feeding your skin for both today and your future.
Our concentrated, powdered form (L-Ascorbic Acid, made from a non-GMO vegetal source of sorbitol) activates fresh at the time of use for treatments with The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver, helping to brighten, decongest, and wash away dead skin cells and tissue. Our Vitamin C is included alongside clarifying sodium bicarbonate in these two formulas, where it balances the pH levels for compatibility across skin types. Did you know that Vitamin C can also neutralize chlorine and ammonia in your tap water, helping to prevent the dryness and irritation that often comes with daily cleansing or showering? This, and so many reasons, is why The Clean Dirt never leaves my shower.
Separately, our supercharged, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C ester (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), featured in The Happy Galaxy, absorbs impressively into the skin, penetrating past the outer layer to deeply nourish and actively restore our skin’s connective tissue and collagen synthesis from neck to toes.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Problem Solver & The Happy Galaxy
Red Alaea Sea Salt
“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun & the sea.”
- Phytagoras
Salt is without a doubt one of our ingredients with the longest history, with the first record of processed salt dating back all the way to 4000 B.C.! Red alaea salt, which derives its Hawaiian name from the red alaea volcanic clay, is truly one of a kind for many reasons. Its mesmerizing deep red color, uniquely rich mineral content, powerful medicinal benefits, and delicate taste make red alaea salt a must in both kitchens and bathrooms. It was originally used by Hawaiians in ceremony to bless and purify anything from canoes to temples and is still treasured and used in healing rituals today.
This special salt is created through the natural evaporation process that occurs while water is trapped in tidal pools and mixes with red volcanic clay. This allows the salt to absorb the clay’s abundant variety of minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes, transforming it into a nutrient powerhouse.
When applied topically, red alaea salt acts as a natural detoxifier, increasing circulation, absorbing toxins, and simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells. Additionally, the numerous skin nourishing nutrients from both the ocean salt and red clay are absorbed through the skin to result in a smooth, regenerated, healthy complexion. When you swim in the ocean, enjoy a salt bath, or indulge in salt as an ingredient in skin treatments, it effectively reduces fluid retention, purifying the body, relaxing tissue, and is also said to cleanse negative energy and attract positive thoughts.
Sourcing note:
As dictated by history & tradition, true red alaea salt is never sold and can only be given away or traded. In order to include this incredibly healing ingredient in our products, we purchase a distinct variation of red alaea. Its story begins along the rocky coast of Northern California where the cool, clear saltwater of the Pacific Ocean flows in. Naturally filtered into salt ponds nearby, this pure solar-evaporated sea salt is enriched with purified red alaea clay harvested deep in the emerald green rain forests of Kauai.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt & The Problem Solver
Ceylon Cinnamon
While most of us reserve this sacred spice for the holiday season in the form of delicious pies, mulled ciders, and candles, true cinnamon has been documented for its use in medicine since 2,700 B.C. It has been used in Chinese medicine practices and Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Cinnamon’s strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, coupled with its high antioxidant content, make this aromatic star a powerful addition to our formulas. Our skin is exposed to oxidative stress and damage from free radicals on a daily basis. Cinnamon has the unique ability to increase blood circulation and collagen production through a key ingredient known as ‘cinnamaldehyde.’ This (naturally occurring) chemical constituent boosts circulation and assists in plumping skin and fighting the common effects of visible aging and cell damage.
Although there are about 250 species of cinnamomum recognized today, the cinnamomum cassia (cassia cinnamon) from China is the most common commercial variety and what you are most likely to find in nearly all grocers, natural food stores, prepared food and beauty products. However, cassia cinnamon is not true cinnamon and does not deliver the same benefits as the Ceylon variety, grown mostly in Sri Lanka. The distinction between these two types is vital. Cassia cinnamon is an irritant and does not contain the beneficial medicinal and beautifying properties of true Ceylon cinnamon.
Sourcing note:
Sri Lankan cinnamon is regarded as the highest grade on the global market. 80% of the cinnamon cultivation in Sri Lanka is attributed to small farmers. Dedicated to environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, this ingredient is part of our Ethical Global Sourcing Program. Our organic Ceylon cinnamon powder is shipped to our kitchen directly from a small organic farming cooperative, ensuring unparalleled freshness and quality for our clients and enhancing the living standards of the small farmers and communities in the project areas. At present, the association consists of 52 branch societies with more than 2,600 farmers. As a fundamental concept of organic agriculture, members practice mixed cropping systems and use a natural approach to pest control through companion-planting of shade trees, bug repellent plants, and medicinal herbs. Our vision is to support environmentally-friendly agriculture along with equally treated and economically empowered farmers and their communities.
Featured in: The Problem Solver and The Clean Dirt
Nutmeg
Exotic and incredibly fragrant, nutmeg has a long, adventurous history. Once exclusively grown on the Spice Islands of Indonesia, nutmeg was considered to be more valuable than gold until the monopoly was broken by the French, who smuggled seedling trees to plant in Mauritius in the 18th century. This sweet, fragrant, and nutty spice is an appreciated staple today in the cuisines of India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and even Japan. Apart from its culinary use, nutmeg has been valued for centuries for its healing benefits. In the Elizabethan era, it was even thought to ward off the plague!
With its significantly high antioxidant content and antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds, nutmeg has the incredible power to fight off harmful pathogens and free radicals. It boasts the unique ability to relieve and soothe the skin, reducing inflammation and the resulting fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. Natural healers use nutmeg to brighten the complexion, heal acne, and reduce facial discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
Sourcing note:
Dedicated to environmentally friendly agricultural practices, this ingredient has been added to our Ethical Global Sourcing Program. Our nutmeg powder gets shipped directly from a small organic farming cooperative in Sri Lanka to our studio in Los Angeles, ensuring freshness for our clients and enhancing the living standards of the small farmers and communities in the project areas. At present, the Association consists of 52 branch societies with more than 2,600 farmers. As a fundamental concept of organic agriculture, members practice mixed cropping systems and use a natural approach to pest control through companion-planting of shade trees, bug repellent plants, and medicinal herbs. Our vision is to support environmentally-friendly agriculture along with equally-treated and economically-empowered farmers and their communities.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
Clove
When you pick up a jar of clove powder at your local supermarket, it’s hard to imagine that just hundreds of years ago, wars were being fought over this aromatic, healing spice. While clove trees of today are grown all over the world, they were once exclusively found on the Maluku islands, formerly known as the “Spice Islands” of Indonesia. During this monopoly, the highly-priced clove was traded with as much friction as crude oil is today.
Cloves are essentially the immature, unripe flower buds of the clove tree. Twice a year these buds announce they are ready for harvest as they transition from a pale green to a bright red color. They are picked by hand and dried in the sun where they turn to their signature dark brown color.
Known as the “super spice” among natural healers for its incredibly high antioxidant content, clove is also a rich source of beneficial minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A and C. Clove contains the active compound eugenol, which has remarkable anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties, making this robust spice an excellent remedy for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis. With its vibrant nutritional profile and healing properties, clove keeps skin healthy and blemish-free.
Sourcing note:
Dedicated to environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, this ingredient has been added to our Ethical Global Sourcing Program. Our clove powder is shipped directly from a small organic farming cooperative in Sri Lanka to our kitchen in Los Angeles. This ensures unparalleled quality and freshness for our clients and also enhances the living standards of the farmers and communities in the project areas. At present, the association consists of 52 branch societies with more than 2,600 farmers. As a fundamental concept of organic agriculture, members practice mixed cropping systems and use a natural approach to pest control through companion-planting of shade trees, bug repellent plants, and medicinal herbs. Our vision is to support environmentally-friendly agriculture along with equally-treated and economically-empowered farmers and their communities.
Found in: The Problem Solver and The Clean Dirt
Cacao
If I have a signature as a formulator, the glory of this bean is certainly a part of it. I believe in cacao as more than just a special sweet treat or even as an ingredient to lend a hunger-inducing aroma to all but one formula in our core facial collection.
Exceptionally high in antioxidants, raw cacao blocks free radicals, protecting skin against damage to collagen and elastin while promoting and renewing skin cell tissue. Cacao contains omega 6 fatty acids and raw enzymes, both of which help in cellular repair and rejuvenation. Topical use increases blood flow to the skin, reducing inflammation and redness, slowing the visible aging process, and supporting healthy moisture content.
Sourcing
Nearly all of the cacao on the planet is produced for consumption in the massive food and fragrance industries, where the priority is strictly to maximize aromas and flavors with aggressive toasting processes. Unfortunately, the excessive heat used to achieve the characteristic chocolate scent you are accustomed to greatly diminishes the nutritional value of this precious food ingredient. It was an uphill battle to find producers who are instead dedicated to the gentle extraction and distillation of aromatic raw materials that preserve and honor the bean’s high antioxidant content.
I am committed to ever-increasing my quality standard, taking every challenge as an opportunity to dig deeper into our core values. After years searching the world, testing cacao samples from a zillion vendors, navigating ingredient adulteration and dilution and the underbelly of labeling loopholes that plague our industry, I can say without hesitation we have earned access to the best of the best with each form of cacao we incorporate into our treats. From our rich and succulent cacao butter to our exclusive, freshly-made raw oleoresin, to our nutrient-dense powdered bean, our cacao is a point of pride and total joy.
Fair Trade
Historically, cacao has been and still is a significant source of tropical deforestation. At the same time, it is a crop on which many conservationists and natural resource managers base their hopes for an agriculture industry that not only provides a livelihood for tropical farmers but also helps to conserve biodiversity in the tropical landscape. Growing cacao under a canopy enhances the soil, protects it from erosion, provides non-cacao products to the farmer and a refuge for an array of animal groups like birds, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. The leaf litter provided by a shade canopy is particularly important for the life cycle of the insects that pollinate the cacao blossoms.
Farmers that choose to grow cacao using sustainable methods rely on organic or premium markets for the higher prices they must charge for making a commitment to increasing biodiversity and embracing environmentally-friendly agriculture. Although chocolate is a huge ($70+ billion annually) global business, only about 6-8 percent of this revenue makes its way back to the cocoa farmers, many of whom run small family operations. Labor abuse is rife in many cocoa regions, and reports of farmers enslaving thousands of child workers have sparked widespread criticism of the industry.
Labor and environmental issues have inspired the formation of several organizations and associations of wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to growing cacao sustainably, providing fair wages and opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. We are committed to supporting this vital effort by choosing makers that produce organically and ethically under Fair Trade guidelines.
“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”
—Everyone, Everywhere
Marshmallow
When I think of marshmallow, I have two distinct thoughts. 1. I am transported to fantasies of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s “S’Mores” ice cream flavor, which is laden with ripples of that creamy, white goodness. 2. Flashback to my childhood, picking the wild marshmallow flowers from the swampland next to the river on my property. My mother taught me about all the free and edible plants that were local to us, and this was a standout. “Marshmallow” sweets were originally made from the roots of these flowers, blended with sugar and egg white.
Marshmallow is considered a superior medicinal plant that was used for centuries by the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks. It is said that Hippocrates himself used marshmallow to heal wounds. Native to North Africa, western Asia, and Europe, marshmallow’s Latin name Althea comes from the Greek (althein), which means “to heal and cure.” While all parts of the plant, from the root to the flower, were used for medicinal purposes, the root is exceptionally high in healing properties and boasts of impressive nutrient content. This is the part we utilize in The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver.
The long, thick, yellow root is not only rich in antioxidants but contains powerful antibacterial properties, which effectively prevent and treat infections, while the anti-inflammatory properties can speed up the healing process of the skin. Thanks to the containing flavonoids, it’s especially beneficial for those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. As a rich mucilage source, marshmallow root has the capability to soothe and heal wounds and inflammation. Additionally, those mucilaginous properties slow down the aging process by supporting the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain water. When you apply marshmallow root on your skin, you essentially moisturize, calm, and heal at the same time.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
Rose
Undeniably the Queen of Flowers and nature’s symbol of love and beauty, the Damask rose’s rich history dates back an astonishing 30 million years! Once famously used by Cleopatra for its unique aphrodisiac powers, today this stunner is cultivated only in a handful of locations that provide just the right growing conditions, including Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. Like with wine, the distinctly seductive fragrance varies significantly depending on the country of origin and the elements surrounding where it grows, known as the terroir.
In the “Valley of the Roses” in Bulgaria, where we source both our rose absolute and our rare Bulgarian rose essential oil, as well as our fresh-dried powdered rose, the famed flower’s aroma is exceptionally deep, spiced, and intoxicating, transporting your mind and soul into a different world. While I would love to bathe in a bath laden with roses like Cleopatra every night, extractions of rose are unfortunately one of the most expensive and labor-intensive oils in the world to produce. If you consider it takes over 10,000 roses to fill one thumbnail-sized 5ml bottle, one can understand its high price, superior status, and allure. Just imagine one drop of our Bulgarian rose essential oil on your skin is the equivalent of 60 roses!
With an extraordinary 300 active organic compounds, including skin-nourishing vitamins, minerals, and protective antioxidants, rose is unarguably one of the most powerful natural healers for the skin. Thanks to its countless beneficial properties as an antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, and cicatrizant, it has an incredibly healing and calming effect on various skin concerns, such as acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, and even stretch marks! A powerful anti-inflammatory, emollient, and natural moisturizer, rose not only restores and supports the skin’s texture but deeply nourishes and hydrates at the same time, making this one of the most effective and luxurious skin healing treatments nature has to offer.
Sourcing note:
Bulgaria was for many years the capital of rosa damascene oil production. Sadly, the historical ups and downs of the country over the last century caused production to decrease significantly, and by the 1980's it was virtually unheard of. It wasn’t until a decade later that a resurgence in the trend of natural perfumery restored Bulgarian rose's popularity. We’re proud to share that our family-run supplier was an integral part of this renewal from a very early stage, purchasing and planting 250 acres of roses and renovating an old factory at the foot of the Balkan mountain range. This area is rightly known as “the valley of roses.” From the end of May to mid-June, fifteen thousand pickers work the majestic rose fields at the break of dawn. Collection begins at sunrise when the oil yield is at its highest and is completed within hours, before the dew evaporates from the flowers.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Youth Dew, The Jasmine Garden & The Good Stuff
Calendula
Likely native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa, calendula’s exact origins are lost in time. While its birth place isn’t clear, there is extensive evidence that this bright orange flower has been prized for its medicinal, culinary, ornamental, and cosmetic properties for centuries.
Calendula flowers, commonly known as marigold, are one of the oldest herbal remedies. Highly regarded by herbalists and healers across cultures and continents, the edible flowers have been used to decorate religious temples in India, color fabrics in Greece, and garnish culinary dishes in ancient Rome. Its medicinal history dates all the way back to the 12th century, where it served as a relief for fevers, stomach upsets, and as a topical healing treatment for wounds and infections. Today, the gold blossoms of calendula are a signature remedy for skin ailments such as eczema, acne, abrasions, and dermatitis.
Calendula’s long history is a testament to its potent healing powers, and modern studies have confirmed its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and effectiveness in helping to heal the skin. Certain triterpenoid compounds appear to inhibit a variety of bacteria, and this antioxidant’s power is said to reduce damage from oxygen radicals. The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic properties help decrease inflammation and swelling, soothe sunburns, rashes, and skin irritations.
Sourcing note:
Our calendula is produced from certified organic crops located in Egypt. The flowers are harvested in the summer, mid-heat of the day when the florets are sticky with life and resin. They are then carefully dried at low temperatures before being ground into a fine powder. The powder maintains many important constituents which aid in treating & relieving irritated, problematic skin, inflamed eyes, swelling, dermatitis, and eczema.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt
Vanilla
There are not many aromas that evoke the instant sensation of desire and comfort, like that of vanilla. Whether the star of the hunger-inducing scent of freshly baked cookies or the seductive fragrance of your favorite perfume, vanilla is treasured by many. The sweet smell of vanilla has been shown to be a highly effective antidepressant, mood enhancer, and health booster due to a component called vanillin hydroxybenzaldehydem. Soothing and harmonizing, vanilla has been shown in studies to help comfort, stabilize, and induce feelings of relaxation.
This sacred spice has been used in ritual offerings and as medicine and perfume by the Aztecs. This is where the irresistible and hopelessly addicting blend of vanilla and chocolate was born, as the Aztecs flavored their cacao-based drink with this prized, tropical bean.
Cuttings of this ancient orchid were eventually taken to Africa by the French, where now 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced. It generally takes three to five years for the vanilla plant to produce any blossoms. Not only does each flower require hand pollination, but it takes many additional months following harvest for curing to occur. Vanilla is one of the most labor-intensive of our ingredients to produce and is now the second most expensive spice in the world (following saffron).
Highly sedative, vanilla helps to reduce skin inflammation and its powerful antibacterial components aid in clearing skin infections. Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, vanilla naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its high content of antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage, ensuring an even skin tone.
Sourcing note:
Unfortunately, today less than one percent of “vanilla” you find in food or fragrance comes from the vanilla flower itself (yes you read correctly – not even one percent), rather from synthetic reproductions. Our organic vanilla CO2 extract boasts an impressive 26% vanillin content, the component which gives it its rich, natural aroma. The manufacturing process of a CO2 extract involves none of the heat or moisture associated with steam distillation. The result is a deep and gentle extract, free from any chemical residue. Ours is a genuinely spectacular product made strictly from Madagascar beans. We are incredibly selective with each of our ingredients, but especially so when it comes to the standard of our difficult-to-obtain vanilla. With extremely limited stock available, we invest at a premium cost to ensure we can always maintain our obsessive quality commitment. Our same maker provides us with our fresh ground vanilla bean powder, equally expensive, and exceedingly delicious. It’s my favorite bin in the kitchen to lean into for a big breath of heaven mid-day!
Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Honey Mud, The Jasmine Garden, The Problem Solver, and The Blue Cocoon
Turmeric
This famous, golden spice is one of the most potent medicinal herbs that has ever existed in nature. Turmeric comes from the tuberous root of a large, leafed perennial belonging to the same family as ginger. It originates in Southern Asia, where it has had its “roots” deep in the medicinal and spiritual traditions of India, China, and Southeast Asian cultures for centuries. Even today, orthodox Hindu brides and grooms take part in the ancient “Haldi” tradition, in which they cover their faces and bodies with turmeric paste before they take their vows. The brilliant golden-orange paste is said to protect from evil spirits, offer purification, and attract prosperity thanks to its color.
Turmeric’s potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, and analgesic qualities make this ancient magical spice a true all-around skin healer. Its active compound curcumin has gained a lot of deserved attention thanks to its unparalleled anti-inflammatory properties, which has nearly the same effect on pain as ibuprofen! Turmeric’s potent antioxidants have been shown to protect healthy cells and neutralize free radicals by stabilizing them; thus delaying the appearance of aging or skin damage. Turmeric makes a wonderful tonic for the skin as it controls excess oil, unclogs pores, and brightens, letting your natural glow shine through.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
Ginger
Native to Asia, ginger has played an essential role in many cultures’ herbal medicine and cuisine for at least 5,000 years. Appearing in records as early as 500 B.C., this robust, herbaceous perennial comes from the same family as turmeric and cardamom, Zingiberaceae.
Ginger’s principal active components, which give it its “spicy” personality are zingiberene, zingerone, and gingerols. Research has shown that these potent compounds are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These complexes have a broad range of skin healing benefits that include their ability to counter free radicals and neutralize oxidative stress in cells. Whether ingested or applied topically, ginger is a powerful herb for combating signs of aging. We include organically grown ginger in The Clean Dirt’s formula due to its incredible antiseptic and cleansing abilities, which are said to eliminate bacteria while simultaneously removing the appearance of scars, dark spots, and blemishes. Ginger provides an incredible detox treatment for stressed, dull, or tired skin.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt
Titanium Dioxide
Our kaolin clay (also called white halloysite), and all kaolin, naturally contain a certain content of the mineral titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide is not an added ingredient to the kaolin, but a component of this raw ingredient that is required to be called out separately in our INCI to adhere to European labeling requirements. The naturally-occurring titanium dioxide content is less than 1% of The Honey Mud’s formula.
In The Good Stuff, our non-nano mica includes a fractional ratio of the minerals Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxide as a coating to enhance its soft, sparkling effect on the skin.
Found in: The Honey Mud and The Clean Dirt, as a component of kaolin (white halloysite) clay and The Good Stuff
Red Alaea Clay
“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun & the sea.”
- Phytagoras
Salt is without a doubt one of our ingredients with the longest history, with the first record of processed salt dating back all the way to 4000 B.C.! Red alaea salt, which derives its Hawaiian name from the red alaea volcanic clay, is truly one of a kind for many reasons. Its mesmerizing deep red color, uniquely rich mineral content, powerful medicinal benefits, and delicate taste make red alaea salt a must in both kitchens and bathrooms. It was originally used by Hawaiians in ceremony to bless and purify anything from canoes to temples and is still treasured and used in healing rituals today.
This special salt is created through the natural evaporation process that occurs while water is trapped in tidal pools and mixes with red volcanic clay. This allows the salt to absorb the clay’s abundant variety of minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes, transforming it into a nutrient powerhouse.
When applied topically, red alaea salt acts as a natural detoxifier, increasing circulation, absorbing toxins, and simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells. Additionally, the numerous skin nourishing nutrients from both the ocean salt and red clay are absorbed through the skin to result in a smooth, regenerated, healthy complexion. When you swim in the ocean, enjoy a salt bath, or indulge in salt as an ingredient in skin treatments, it effectively reduces fluid retention, purifying the body, relaxing tissue, and is also said to cleanse negative energy and attract positive thoughts.
Sourcing note:
As dictated by history & tradition, true red alaea salt is never sold and can only be given away or traded. In order to include this incredibly healing ingredient in our products, we purchase a distinct variation of red alaea. Its story begins along the rocky coast of Northern California where the cool, clear saltwater of the Pacific Ocean flows in. Naturally filtered into salt ponds nearby, this pure solar-evaporated sea salt is enriched with purified red alaea clay harvested deep in the emerald green rain forests of Kauai.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt & The Problem Solver
Cinnamyl Alcohol
*Cinnamyl Alcohol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our raw plant materials.
Cinnamyl Alcohol occurs naturally in the bark of Ceylon cinnamon trees. Cinnamyl Alcohol can also be produced synthetically, which we do not use, and is common in conventional fragrance.
Found in: The Clean Dirt
Eugenol
* Eugenal is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.
Eugenol is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as basil, cinnamon, lemon balm, and nutmeg. It is a primary component of clove.
Eugenol belongs to a well-researched class of naturally occurring phenolic monoterpenoids, offering a vast range of pharmacological benefits that include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Found in: The Problem Solver, The Clean Dirt, The Happy Galaxy & The Good Stuff
Red Alaea Sea Salt
“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun & the sea.”
- Phytagoras
Salt is without a doubt one of our ingredients with the longest history, with the first record of processed salt dating back all the way to 4000 B.C.! Red alaea salt, which derives its Hawaiian name from the red alaea volcanic clay, is truly one of a kind for many reasons. Its mesmerizing deep red color, uniquely rich mineral content, powerful medicinal benefits, and delicate taste make red alaea salt a must in both kitchens and bathrooms. It was originally used by Hawaiians in ceremony to bless and purify anything from canoes to temples and is still treasured and used in healing rituals today.
This special salt is created through the natural evaporation process that occurs while water is trapped in tidal pools and mixes with red volcanic clay. This allows the salt to absorb the clay’s abundant variety of minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes, transforming it into a nutrient powerhouse.
When applied topically, red alaea salt acts as a natural detoxifier, increasing circulation, absorbing toxins, and simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells. Additionally, the numerous skin nourishing nutrients from both the ocean salt and red clay are absorbed through the skin to result in a smooth, regenerated, healthy complexion. When you swim in the ocean, enjoy a salt bath, or indulge in salt as an ingredient in skin treatments, it effectively reduces fluid retention, purifying the body, relaxing tissue, and is also said to cleanse negative energy and attract positive thoughts.
Sourcing note:
As dictated by history & tradition, true red alaea salt is never sold and can only be given away or traded. In order to include this incredibly healing ingredient in our products, we purchase a distinct variation of red alaea. Its story begins along the rocky coast of Northern California where the cool, clear saltwater of the Pacific Ocean flows in. Naturally filtered into salt ponds nearby, this pure solar-evaporated sea salt is enriched with purified red alaea clay harvested deep in the emerald green rain forests of Kauai.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt & The Problem Solver
Vitamin C
Long considered one of the most essential nutrients, Vitamin C is a critical component in the health of our skin and our bodies as a whole. One significant role of this foundational vitamin is the formation and maintenance of collagen, the basis of the connective tissue found in our skin, bones, and teeth. Collagen, and therefore Vitamin C, is vital for supporting and shaping our body and skin and helping wounds to heal. A powerful antioxidant, it prevents free radicals from generating, offering much-needed protection from daily aggressors such as stress, pollution, and environmental exposure.
Vitamin C plays a critical role in not only protecting our skin cells but in creating and maintaining them as well. With it, you are feeding your skin for both today and your future.
Our concentrated, powdered form (L-Ascorbic Acid, made from a non-GMO vegetal source of sorbitol) activates fresh at the time of use for treatments with The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver, helping to brighten, decongest, and wash away dead skin cells and tissue. Our Vitamin C is included alongside clarifying sodium bicarbonate in these two formulas, where it balances the pH levels for compatibility across skin types. Did you know that Vitamin C can also neutralize chlorine and ammonia in your tap water, helping to prevent the dryness and irritation that often comes with daily cleansing or showering? This, and so many reasons, is why The Clean Dirt never leaves my shower.
Separately, our supercharged, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C ester (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate), featured in The Happy Galaxy, absorbs impressively into the skin, penetrating past the outer layer to deeply nourish and actively restore our skin’s connective tissue and collagen synthesis from neck to toes.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt, The Problem Solver & The Happy Galaxy
Calendula
Likely native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa, calendula’s exact origins are lost in time. While its birth place isn’t clear, there is extensive evidence that this bright orange flower has been prized for its medicinal, culinary, ornamental, and cosmetic properties for centuries.
Calendula flowers, commonly known as marigold, are one of the oldest herbal remedies. Highly regarded by herbalists and healers across cultures and continents, the edible flowers have been used to decorate religious temples in India, color fabrics in Greece, and garnish culinary dishes in ancient Rome. Its medicinal history dates all the way back to the 12th century, where it served as a relief for fevers, stomach upsets, and as a topical healing treatment for wounds and infections. Today, the gold blossoms of calendula are a signature remedy for skin ailments such as eczema, acne, abrasions, and dermatitis.
Calendula’s long history is a testament to its potent healing powers, and modern studies have confirmed its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and effectiveness in helping to heal the skin. Certain triterpenoid compounds appear to inhibit a variety of bacteria, and this antioxidant’s power is said to reduce damage from oxygen radicals. The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic properties help decrease inflammation and swelling, soothe sunburns, rashes, and skin irritations.
Sourcing note:
Our calendula is produced from certified organic crops located in Egypt. The flowers are harvested in the summer, mid-heat of the day when the florets are sticky with life and resin. They are then carefully dried at low temperatures before being ground into a fine powder. The powder maintains many important constituents which aid in treating & relieving irritated, problematic skin, inflamed eyes, swelling, dermatitis, and eczema.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt
Ceylon Cinnamon
While most of us reserve this sacred spice for the holiday season in the form of delicious pies, mulled ciders, and candles, true cinnamon has been documented for its use in medicine since 2,700 B.C. It has been used in Chinese medicine practices and Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Cinnamon’s strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, coupled with its high antioxidant content, make this aromatic star a powerful addition to our formulas. Our skin is exposed to oxidative stress and damage from free radicals on a daily basis. Cinnamon has the unique ability to increase blood circulation and collagen production through a key ingredient known as ‘cinnamaldehyde.’ This (naturally occurring) chemical constituent boosts circulation and assists in plumping skin and fighting the common effects of visible aging and cell damage.
Although there are about 250 species of cinnamomum recognized today, the cinnamomum cassia (cassia cinnamon) from China is the most common commercial variety and what you are most likely to find in nearly all grocers, natural food stores, prepared food and beauty products. However, cassia cinnamon is not true cinnamon and does not deliver the same benefits as the Ceylon variety, grown mostly in Sri Lanka. The distinction between these two types is vital. Cassia cinnamon is an irritant and does not contain the beneficial medicinal and beautifying properties of true Ceylon cinnamon.
Sourcing note:
Sri Lankan cinnamon is regarded as the highest grade on the global market. 80% of the cinnamon cultivation in Sri Lanka is attributed to small farmers. Dedicated to environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, this ingredient is part of our Ethical Global Sourcing Program. Our organic Ceylon cinnamon powder is shipped to our kitchen directly from a small organic farming cooperative, ensuring unparalleled freshness and quality for our clients and enhancing the living standards of the small farmers and communities in the project areas. At present, the association consists of 52 branch societies with more than 2,600 farmers. As a fundamental concept of organic agriculture, members practice mixed cropping systems and use a natural approach to pest control through companion-planting of shade trees, bug repellent plants, and medicinal herbs. Our vision is to support environmentally-friendly agriculture along with equally treated and economically empowered farmers and their communities.
Featured in: The Problem Solver and The Clean Dirt
Turmeric
This famous, golden spice is one of the most potent medicinal herbs that has ever existed in nature. Turmeric comes from the tuberous root of a large, leafed perennial belonging to the same family as ginger. It originates in Southern Asia, where it has had its “roots” deep in the medicinal and spiritual traditions of India, China, and Southeast Asian cultures for centuries. Even today, orthodox Hindu brides and grooms take part in the ancient “Haldi” tradition, in which they cover their faces and bodies with turmeric paste before they take their vows. The brilliant golden-orange paste is said to protect from evil spirits, offer purification, and attract prosperity thanks to its color.
Turmeric’s potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, and analgesic qualities make this ancient magical spice a true all-around skin healer. Its active compound curcumin has gained a lot of deserved attention thanks to its unparalleled anti-inflammatory properties, which has nearly the same effect on pain as ibuprofen! Turmeric’s potent antioxidants have been shown to protect healthy cells and neutralize free radicals by stabilizing them; thus delaying the appearance of aging or skin damage. Turmeric makes a wonderful tonic for the skin as it controls excess oil, unclogs pores, and brightens, letting your natural glow shine through.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver
Ginger
Native to Asia, ginger has played an essential role in many cultures’ herbal medicine and cuisine for at least 5,000 years. Appearing in records as early as 500 B.C., this robust, herbaceous perennial comes from the same family as turmeric and cardamom, Zingiberaceae.
Ginger’s principal active components, which give it its “spicy” personality are zingiberene, zingerone, and gingerols. Research has shown that these potent compounds are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These complexes have a broad range of skin healing benefits that include their ability to counter free radicals and neutralize oxidative stress in cells. Whether ingested or applied topically, ginger is a powerful herb for combating signs of aging. We include organically grown ginger in The Clean Dirt’s formula due to its incredible antiseptic and cleansing abilities, which are said to eliminate bacteria while simultaneously removing the appearance of scars, dark spots, and blemishes. Ginger provides an incredible detox treatment for stressed, dull, or tired skin.
Featured in: The Clean Dirt
Learn more about each ingredient and why we love it on our ingredients page.
I bottled all my favorite nostalgic elements of celebratory holiday baking and coziness! There is a warm scent of cinnamon and ginger cookies, with layers of cocoa and vanilla and spicy herbiness that transport me to the Ayurvedic treatments of the East. To me, The Clean Dirt smells like joy and cherished hugs.
We recommend enjoying The Clean Dirt every second or third day, adapting as your skin evolves with the seasons inside and around us.
A good starting point is to introduce The Clean Dirt as often as you shampoo, linking your treatments to your hair care so you never forget! Apply and rinse while in the bath or shower for zero mess and enhanced efficacy (steam-softened skin prior to your treatments is a win)!
Want to go deeper? We’re here to help you discover your perfect rhythm. Connect with us at care@maylindstrom.com for guidance into a personalized ritual.
This formula removes light makeup and daily grime.
The Clean Dirt is an exfoliant and should not be used on the eye area. If you wear eye makeup, foundation, or sunscreen, cleanse and prep skin with The Pendulum Potion prior to your treatment with The Clean Dirt.
In the mornings and when skin is bare, you may go straight to The Clean Dirt without using an additional cleanser.
Proper exfoliation is key for those with dehydrated skin.
Dehydration often stems from stagnation in the skin and a compromised barrier. This prevents the balanced production of your own natural oils or absorption of your moisturizers.
If your skin is particularly sensitive:
•Begin with 1x/weekly use - and be sure to explore our step-by-step ritual for sensitive skin.
•Use a true measured teaspoon of powder and equal parts water to achieve a soft mousse texture.
•Brush the formula on gently. Additional manual exfoliation through massage can be added as skin health increases.
•Add cushion and hydration by adding several pumps of The Pendulum Potion to your pre-mixed mousse portion.
•Allow to sit for a minute or two and rinse in the shower for greatest ease and least friction. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, and face cloths.
•Follow each treatment immediately with The Youth Dew and/or The Blue Cocoon while skin is still warm, wet, and in its most receptive state for the ultimate benefit.
This lush and fizzy blend is a sensorial feast that makes skin GLOW.
I lean towards a blend of The Clean Dirt and The Honey Mud on days my skin feels dehydrated, stressed, or sensitive, but I'm still craving effective exfoliation and the energy revival that only The Clean Dirt can bring.
Using our treatment brush and bowl, combine:
•1 measured teaspoon of The Clean Dirt
•Just shy of 1 teaspoon water or The Jasmine Garden
Bring to a fizzing mousse consistency and incorporate 1 teaspoon of The Honey Mud.
Brush this mixture over clean skin, massaging in small circular motions with the soft pads of your fingertips. You can leave from just seconds up to 20 minutes before rinsing clear in the shower, turning into the steam to wash away easily and with pleasure.
You may also add several pumps of The Pendulum Potion for a surge of moisture and an elevated sensorial experience.
*note: The natural salicylic acid via the wintergreen extract in The Honey Mud will amplify the exfoliating effects of The Clean Dirt when combined within your ritual. Introduce product blends thoughtfully, and feel free to connect with us at care@maylindstrom.com for personalized guidance as you explore.
These two extraordinary and complementary formulas are actually quite different from each other in functionality and experience.
The Clean Dirt is a brightening exfoliant, great for easing congestion, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, reducing post-acne spots and bringing major glow. I use this every 2-3 days, or about as often as I shampoo, always in the shower and typically in the morning.
The Problem Solver is a warming treatment masque. It reduces and prevents breakouts, calms inflammation, lessens redness, evens tone, and generally solves all your problems. I use this once or twice a week, every week, typically alternating treatment days with The Clean Dirt. I typically mask evenings, but will fit in treatments wherever is possible.
Both The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver offer the very best of themselves when enjoyed consistently and alongside the other.
"I just can't get over how amazing it is...my skin looks so much better on the days after I use it. Love, love love it!"
—Caitlin
"The smells is delicious and reminds me of Christmas gingerbread cookies my grandmother used to make. It gives my skin the most beautiful glow."
—Anastasija
"I have never used an exfoliant regularly before this one because I felt like they were too harsh on my skin. My skin would be red and raw afterwards and for someone who already has a lot of redness on her skin, that is definitely not what I'd want to see.
Since my skin has been on the drier side lately, an exfoliant was becoming more necessary in my routine and this one is awesome. It doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped afterwards, it just feels soft and looks brighter. My makeup applies so much better! I especially love mixing it with The Honey Mud and a bit of water to create a really nice, thick consistency. I actually look forward to exfoliating now so this will be a definite repurchase :)"
—Jennifer
"I like taking the time to use the cleansing clay and mask…I am a male customer and these are excellent at fixing ingrown hair and razor rashes!"
—Dilip
"The best cleanser/exfoliant I have ever used! I am in my thirties and have normal-oily skin. I have been using the Clean Dirt for the past 6 months, 2-3 times a week (and there's still a tiny bit left, time for re-purchase!). I also use The Jasmine Garden before applying my moisturizer and The Honey Mud one a week. Besides lasting a really long time, I really love how my skin looks and feels. The Clean Dirt helped diminish my acne scars and it keeps my pores clean and clear from blackheads - I also noticed my skin tends to breakout much less than before."
—Emma
"…no more Clarisonic - I'm a Clean Dirt girl now…I am one of those women who have tried everything (54) and have never been this impressed."
—Sarah
"This exceeded by expectations in terms of effectiveness, leaving my skin incredibly soft, clean, and glowing. It is ever so slightly tricky to use, it took me a few tries to figure out how to add just enough water to make a mousse rather than a runny mess! Having said this, I am prepared to continue using this for the outstanding results. It's also a good value for money - I can see the bottle lasting me a long time based on 2-3 uses per week."
—Anna
"Holy grail. I use this and look years younger."
—Kristie
"I use this exfoliator every other day and it has cleared all of the gunk out of my pores, making them appear smaller. This is the most gentle exfoliator I have ever used. I don't feel like I am damaging my skin and it is made with very mild ingredients. A little goes a long way so the bottle should last a while. My acne scarring is fading from my regular, gentle exfoliation."
—Taisha
"I used the 'clean dirt' this morning and wanted to tell you honestly that that is THE BEST cleanser I have used to date."
—Kristen