Bentonite clay: I brush my teeth with it, use it in deodorant, and I’ve even washed my hair with it! This unassuming clay has gained popularity for many reasons. Some love it for its natural origin. Others appreciate bentonite clay for skin, health challenges, and promoting overall wellness.
People have used clay for centuries to promote healthy skin, draw out toxins, and provide essential minerals. However, bentonite clay stands out from kaolin, rhassoul, and other clays due to its strong detoxifying abilities. Bentonite clay is also excellent for promoting healthy skin.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is essentially volcanic ash that’s been exposed to water. “Bentonite” is named after Fort Benton in Wyoming, the largest known source of bentonite clay. It’s also called montmorillonite clay, after the region in France where it was first discovered.
Calcium bentonite clay is the type used for skincare and other health benefits. When the ash is exposed to water over time, it becomes bentonite clay. Bentonite is known for its ability to generate negative ions, which plays a role in its detoxifying and other health benefits.
How Bentonite Clay Promotes Healthy Skin
Bentonite clay can promote healthy skin in several ways due to its unique properties:
- Draws out dirt and impurities: The clay’s fine particles can penetrate deeply into the pores, drawing out dirt, dead skin cells, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. Removing these toxins helps maintain clear skin.
- Acne treatment: Bentonite’s ability to absorb excess sebum (oil) and unclog pores makes it an excellent remedy for pimples. It may help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. It can even be used in blackhead removal.
- Exfoliation: When used as a mask or scrub, bentonite clay gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion.
- Skin nourishment: Silica, magnesium, and other minerals in bentonite clay help nourish the skin, promoting cell regeneration and repair.
- Tightening and firming: Bentonite clay can help tighten and firm the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. It can also help reduce the appearance of pores.
- May improve skin tone: Regular use of bentonite clay can help improve skin tone and texture. As a result, the skin may look healthier and more even.
- Soothing irritation: Bentonite clay’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and reduce blotchy skin. It may help eczema, diaper rash, and other types of dermatitis.
- Wound healing: Applying bentonite clay to minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites can help draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, and speed up the healing process.
Bentonite clay is something you’ll always find in my medicine cabinet and my bathroom. It’s used in a variety of skincare products. You’ll find it in soaps, toothpaste, hair care, masks, cleansers, sunscreens, and more.
Ways to Use Bentonite Clay for Skin
Bentonite clay can be used in a variety of ways to promote beautiful skin. Here are some ideas and recipes:
Facial Soap
Because of its ability to remove impurities, bentonite clay works well as a natural cleanser, especially for acne-prone skin. For that reason, it’s often used in facial soaps and cleansers. I like making this homemade charcoal and clay facial soap.
Facial Masks
Bentonite clay masks can help with oily skin. They’re also super relaxing and a great form of self-care. Here are a few DIY recipes:
- Deep Cleansing Mud Mask
- DIY Charcoal Face Mask Recipe (Only 3 Ingredients!)
- Honey Pumpkin Spice Face Mask
Bentonite clay is also an excellent ingredient in natural cosmetics recipes.
Makeup
You can experiment with adding bentonite clay powder to these DIY cosmetics:
- Natural Liquid Foundation
- How to Make Natural Concealer & Highlighter
- Homemade Natural Mascara
- How to Make Homemade Lipstick
Bentonite clay can also help to beautify your smile.
Dental Care
Bentonite is an excellent ingredient in tooth powder and toothpaste. Here are two recipes to try:
Why stop at facial beauty? Bentonite has been used for thousands of years in Iran for hair care.
Hair Care
Hair detoxification? Sure! This bentonite clay hair mask can help remove buildup from hair products or hard water. I find that it leaves my hair lighter and shinier with plenty of volume.
Foot Soak
Bentonite clay can also help to soften calluses and draw out toxins through the feet. Here’s a relaxing detox foot soak with bentonite clay and Epsom salt. Bentonite isn’t just for creating a spa-like experience. It’s also good to have for skin irritations and injuries.
First Aid Kit
Bentonite clay is an excellent addition to your first aid kit or medicine cabinet. The anti-itch cream comes in handy for poison ivy and insect bites. The herbal poultice helps to draw out toxins and splinters.
Potential Side Effects
Avoid inhaling bentonite clay powder, as it can cause respiratory issues. Breathing any kind of powder into your lungs is never a good idea. Mix it with liquid in a well-ventilated area. If your skin becomes excessively irritated or dry, don’t use it as often. You can also mix the clay with more soothing ingredients. Stop using it if the irritation continues.
If you have sensitive skin, dilute the clay mixture with more water or use a gentle base like aloe vera gel instead of water. If you have dry skin, it’s probably a good idea to use bentonite clay less frequently. When you do use it, mix it with hydrating ingredients like honey or yogurt to prevent excessive dryness.
Safety: Who Can Use It?
It’s generally considered safe to use bentonite clay on the skin during pregnancy and nursing. However, the internal use of bentonite clay should be approached with caution when expecting or caring for a baby.
Allergic reactions aren’t common but are possible. Do a skin patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on your face. The inner forearm is a good place to test. Just mix the clay with a little warm water and apply it to a small area. Wait several hours to make sure you don’t react.
Bottom Line on Bentonite Clay For Skin
Bentonite clay can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine. How often you use it will depend on your skin type. If you tend toward oily skin, you may want to use it more often. If your skin is on the drier side, you may want to use it less often to maintain hydration.
Some of my favorite ways to use bentonite for my skin are in soap or as a deep cleansing mask. You can get good quality bentonite clay here.
Do you use bentonite clay as a part of your skincare routine? What’s your favorite way to use it? Share below!