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From aloe vera and tea tree oil to jojoba oil and witch hazel, nature provides plenty of ingredients that serve as powerhouses in our skincare routines. One of those great wonders is bentonite clay. Often lauded on social media and utilized in DIY face masks, this ingredient acts as a sponge, absorbing excess oil and sebum from your skin, all while drawing out blackheads. Whether you battle acne, redness, or clogged pores, bentonite clay could prove to be an invaluable addition to your vanity.
To learn more about its benefits, we consulted board-certified dermatologists Brooke Grant Jeffy, MD, and Fatima Fahs, MD, to explore the transformative properties of bentonite clay, from its ancient origins to its role in achieving a radiant and rejuvenated complexion.
Keep scrolling to learn more about bentonite clay, including how best to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Meet the Expert
- Brooke Grant Jeffy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix, AZ.
- Fatima Fahs, MD, is a Michigan-based board-certified dermatologist and the creator of Dermy Doc Box.
Bentonite Clay
Type of ingredient: Mineral-rich clay
Main benefits: Absorbs excess oil, exfoliates, offers anti-inflammatory properties.
Who should use it: Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find bentonite clay to be especially beneficial, though it can be too drying for those with dry or sensitive skin, says Fahs.
How often can you use it: This depends on the product you're using and your particular skin type, though usually weekly.
Works well with: Jeffy says it can be used with a variety of different ingredients—including tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric, just to name a few—for synergistic effects.
Don't use with: Potentially drying ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.
What Is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a mineral-rich detoxifying agent made of weathered volcanic ash, with a long and storied history. "It's been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for detoxification because it contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron," says Fahs. "It was typically ingested to absorb and purify the body of toxins, and it's used in skincare for the same principles." Fun fact: While the original source of bentonite clay was the Montmorillon region of France, where it's been used on the skin for centuries, the term "bentonite" refers to the largest source of the clay today — Fort Benton, Wyoming.
What Does It Do?
As it dries after being combined with a liquid, bentonite clay creates a gentle pulling sensation that helps with exfoliation and the removal of dead skin cells. Its ability to balance pH levels supports a healthy skin barrier, while its defense against bacteria makes it an effective solution for managing acne and soothing irritated skin. Rich in magnesium and calcium, it also provides amazing nourishment for the skin.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Skin
Bentonite clay's calling card really is its detoxifying properties, but its benefits go beyond that. Here's what else bentonite clay can do for your skin:
- Absorbs excess oil: The clay's abilities to absorb excess oils make it ideal for those with acne-prone skin, says Jeffy.
- Reduce the appearance of pores: The absorptive properties also mean it has a temporary tightening effect on the skin and helps minimize the appearance of prominent pores, says Jeffy.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties: Another boon for those battling breakouts, bentonite clay is naturally anti-inflammatory and can help calm inflammatory acne, explains Fahs. It's also sometimes used to soothe dermatitis and even diaper rash, adds Jeffy.
- May have some anti-aging effects: To be fair, this isn't bentonite's claim to fame. However, "the minerals found in this clay may help protect the skin from UV-induced free radical damage that contributes to an aged appearance," says Jeffy. She also cites one study that found topical clay application to increase collagen production in rats. This may translate to some anti-aging effects in humans, she says.
- Can mattify skin: If you're looking to reduce oily skin (especially before putting on makeup), using a bentonite clay product, like a face mask, is especially helpful. It absorbs oil and can give the skin a matte look.
Potential Side Effects
Sensitivity or a reaction is always possible, though as far as side effects go, topical use of bentonite clay is much less likely to cause any safety issues than ingestion of the ingredient, says Jeffy. To check if you're sensitive to it, do a small patch test on your inner forearm before applying all over your face, and if irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Who Should Use Bentonite Clay?
Broadly speaking, bentonite clay is best reserved for those with oilier skin, as it can prove too drying for anyone with a dryer complexion. If you already deal with issues such as flaky skin, eczema, or psoriasis, it is recommended you avoid this ingredient.
How to Use It
There are plenty of products, such as face masks, that contain bentonite clay, given that it does play nicely with a wide array of different ingredients. You can also easily purchase straight-up bentonite clay powder and go the DIY route, though Fahs warns that it's important to pay attention to what you're buying: "There's no FDA regulation on how this clay is sourced and what other contaminants it may contain, such as heavy metals or pesticides. This is why, although there are many ways to purchase bentonite clay powder in bulk for very cheap, one should tread carefully," she says. Do your research to find out where the clay is being sourced and its purity.
If you're looking for straight-up bentonite clay because you want to take matters into your own hands, Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay is one of the most popular (and reviewed) options out there. Sourced in the USA, it contains only 100% pure bentonite clay, which can be used any which way. FYI, the directions suggested mixing it with apple cider vinegar (which makes for a less clumpy effect than if you mix it with water), which is fine—though Fahs notes that this can increase the likelihood of irritation, so proceed with caution.
The Final Takeaway
Bentonite clay is a soft, absorbent clay rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It is often used as a weekly face mask to absorb excess oil and sebum, extract blackheads, and exfoliate dead skin. The acne-fighting ingredient is best for oily skin types and shouldn't be used with drying acids or retinol.
