Bentonite Clay has many benefits for skin. This clay has been around for centuries and acts like a sponge on your skin. It absorbs excess oil, sebum, dirt, and grime from your skin.
It helps to remove impurities from skin and can calm irritated skin. This clay is often used as a mask to help reduce breakouts and even the complexion.
Keep reading to learn all about bentonite clay!

Bentonite Clay Quick Facts
Bentonite Clay Scientific Name: |
The scientific name for Bentonite Clay is hydrous silicate of alumina |
Bentonite Clay is Extracted from: |
Bentonite is formed from volcanic ash. It is strip-mined; there are large lines of Bentonite Clay in Wyoming and France. |
Bentonite Clay INCI: |
Bentonite |
Bentonite Clay COSING Number: |
54411 |
Recommended for: |
Bentonite Clay is recommended for all skin types as a spot treatment but it is extremely absorbent and can be drying to already dry skin. |
Bentonite Clay Absorption: |
Bentonite Clay is an extremely absorbent clay that can absorb 300-700% of its mass in water. |
Bentonite Clay Composition
SiO2 | 57.70% |
Al2O3 | 18.30% |
Fe2O3 | 8.23% |
CaO | 0.71% |
MgO | 2.62% |
Na2O | 2.49% |
Trace | 1.89% |
Loss of ignition | 7.18% |
What is Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is a fine textured powder that turns into a paste when water is added. It’s used in the cosmetics industry often as a detoxifier for skin.
Bentonite Clay has been used for centuries to treat skin that is inflamed and irritated as well as skin that produces excess oil.

Bentonite Clay Benefits for Skin
Bentonite Clay is excellent for use in skincare, this clay helps to absorb toxins from skin, leaving you with clearer skin.
It can help balance your complexion by absorbing excess oils in skin. This clay can help draw out impurities in skin while helping to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Bentonite clay not only helps fight acne, it fights aging too!
By lifting away old skin cells and cleaning up your skin, Bentonite Clay helps promote the growth of new skin cells leaving you with skin that glows!
Popular Bentonite Uses for Skin
Bentonite Clay is used for many things but it’s most popular use is as a face mask to help draw out toxins, impurities, and dirt from pores.
Using this clay as a mask can help detoxify skin and reduce breakouts. This clay is excellent when used as a spot treatment!
This clay can also be added to scrubs, make-up, and soaps. It is often a skincare ingredient that is used to help control excess oil and breakouts.
This clay is great to add to powdered foundations or translucent powder to help absorb oils throughout the day and help your powdered makeup wear longer!
Bentonite Clay can also be used to treat some skin conditions that cause dermatitis and irritated skin such as poison ivy or diaper rash.
Because this clay helps absorb things from skin, it can help soothe the irritated skin and promote healing.

Bentonite Clay Substitutes
If you’re looking for a substitution for Bentonite Clay, you’re going to want to look for another absorbent clay.
Bentonite Clay is one of the most absorbent clays to use in your skincare routine, if you find that it is too drying on your skin, opt for a clay that is less absorbent!
A good clay substitute is Kaolin clay. This clay is great on normal to dry skin and not as absorbent, so it won’t be as drying.
Kaolin Clay is often used in face masks and can still detoxify skin while evening your skin tone.
Another excellent choice is Rhassoul Clay. This clay is a natural cleanser and also helps reduce inflammation. Rhassoul Clay helps unclog pores leaving you with clearer, happier skin!
I wrote an article all about choosing the right clay for your skin here.
Warnings/Contraindications for Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is generally regarded as safe however, it is extremely absorbent and can cause dryness if used too often or left on the skin too long.
Be sure to perform a patch test on a less sensitive area of skin. If you are using this clay as a mask, do not leave it on the skin longer than 10 minutes.
Where to Buy Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay | Mountain Rose Herbs (US)
Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to putting people, plants, and planet before profit with everything they do. They are committed to sustainability, and a certified Zero Waste company. They currently only offer shipping to the United States & Canada. (Use Code: SIMPLEPURE15 to save 15% of all regular priced items.
Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay | Amazon
In a hurry, get your bentonite clay on amazon!
Bentonite Clay | New Directions Aromatics (CA)
New Directions Aromatics is a Canadian based company offering a wide variety of skincare and formulating supplies. They also offer a variety of Organic, Fair Trade & Ecocert Ingredients. They ship mainly to Canada & the US, but do offer International Shipping as well.
Bentonite Clay | Wholesale Supplies Plus (US)
Wholesale Supplies Plus offers a wide range of soap making & formulating supplies including bases, additives, carrier oils, fragrance & more. They are based in the US & while they do offer International shipping, they currently do not serve EU member states.
Bentonite Clay | Formulator Sample Shop (US)
Formulator Sample Shop carries a wide range of formulating and skincare ingredients including carrier oils, butters, preservatives, and more. You are able to purchase the exact quantities that you need, and if there is something you need that you don’t see on their website, just contact them! They do offer International Shipping as well.
Bentonite Clay | FNWL (US)
From Nature With Love proudly offers an inspiring range of premium quality certified organic, conventional and complementary personal care ingredients for use within skin care, hair care, aromatherapy, massage, spa, herbalism and soap making applications. They also offer a Rewards program that pays you back 10% in rewards on every order. From Nature With Love is a US based company that does offer International Shipping.
Bentonite Clay Skincare Recipes
Now that you've learned all the amazing benefits of Bentonite Clay, let's learn some skincare recipes that you can try!

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