Bentonite clay is a powder that has been used for hundreds of years for natural wellness. It’s made up of a specific type of volcanic ash called Montmorillonite and contains a high concentration of natural minerals that include calcium, iron, magnesium, and silica.
Bentonite clay is usually grey or cream in colour and has a very fine, powdery texture. It has recently drawn attention as a highly beneficial health and beauty ingredient.
How bentonite clay works
Bentonite clay provides many benefits thanks to the fact that it’s heavily comprised of negative ions. The negative charge attracts and binds to positively charged toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities.
Along with its detoxifying properties, the minerals and nutrients found in bentonite clay help it to cleanse the body from within without depleting it.
Major benefits of using bentonite clay powder
The main benefits of bentonite clay powder come from its powerful detoxifying actions. It is highly beneficial for skin and can pull out impurities, bacteria, and even excess sebum. This makes bentonite clay especially useful for those with oily skin types and acne.
Bentonite clay also acts as a gentle exfoliator when used as part of a face wash. The mineral content of bentonite can help your skin to look healthier and brighter. It also calms skin that gets itchy and irritated from conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Bentonite can also help speed up your body’s healing process for these conditions.
When used internally, bentonite clay powder can help cleanse the body of toxins and may help relieve digestive issues. Bentonite also has an alkalising effect on the body, which can balance pH if acidity is too high.
Top uses for bentonite clay powder
Facial mask
Bentonite clay is a popular ingredient in facial masks because of its detoxifying and clarifying properties. A homemade facial mask with bentonite clay will remove impurities from the skin and can be especially healing for acne and eczema. It also tightens and tones skin, giving it a healthier look.
To make a simple bentonite face mask, combine 1-2 tablespoons of bentonite clay powder with enough water or apple cider vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply in an even layer over face and allow the mask to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and reapply 2-3 times a week for best results.
Household cleaning
Bentonite’s detoxifying and exfoliating properties can also be used around the house. It can be used to scrub and polish sinks and tiles. The abrasive nature of bentonite clay is enough to clean dirty surfaces without damaging them and can even remove grease.
Bentonite also has a whitening effect that helps make white tiles look bright again. The clay can also be used in the kitchen or any other area as a natural deodoriser. Just sprinkle it over the area that needs deodorising and let it sit overnight.
Detoxifying bath
Bentonite clay powder is beneficial for drawing impurities out of the skin and the whole body. A detoxifying bath is the easiest way to use bentonite clay for this purpose and will also soften and nourish your skin.
Simply add a ½-1 cup of bentonite clay powder to your bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes to allow the clay to do its work.
Cleanse and clarify hair
The purifying and cleansing effects of bentonite clay are very beneficial for your hair and scalp. Using bentonite clay powder to make a hair mask or a homemade shampoo can remove build-up, cleanse the scalp, and clean and soften hair.
To use it for hair, combine bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. Apply the paste to damp hair and massage into the scalp. Let the paste sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly with warm water.
Using bentonite clay powder at home
Bentonite clay has many fantastic benefits and uses around the house, for personal care, and to support your health. To get the most out of it, be sure to drink plenty of water when using it internally and do a patch test on the skin before using it externally.
Otherwise, bentonite clay powder can be a very safe and effective natural health and beauty ingredient to have on hand.
Looking for an easy way to order raw materials online? Visit N-Essentials for all your skin care product needs.