Here, two board-certified dermatologists Brooke Grant Jeffy, and Fatima Fahs explain more about this ingredient's clay-m to skincare fame. See what we did there? Bentonite 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: Since it can be drying in and of itself, be cautious about pairing it with other acne-fighting ingredients, such as acids or retinols, says Fahs.
Well, for starters, it's not just any old type of clay. 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, WY, she adds. Field trip, anyone? To the point, bentonite clay has a long and storied history.
It's the detoxifying properties that really are bentonite clay's calling card, but it can do more than just that. 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. That being said, sensitivity or a reaction is always possible.
Do a small patch test on your inner forearm before applying all over your face, and if irritation occurs, discontinue use. And, broadly speaking, bentonite clay is best reserved for those with oilier skin, as it can prove to be too drying for anyone who has a dryer complexion to begin with. There are plenty of products 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.
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 coming from, whether it's been checked for purity, etc.
Both derms recommend this heavy-duty, pore cleansing mask. Also nice: It never gets super hard or cracked as it dries. One of Fahs's picks, this affordable mask pairs bentonite clay with kaolin clay another mineral-rich version for maximum purifying and oil absorption. Bonus points for the fact that it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, a boon for those whose skin is both oily and on the sensitive side.
It gets its name from Fort Benton in Wyoming, where it occurs in large amounts. People can also find this clay in other places where volcanic ash has settled into the ground. Montmorillonite clay, named after Montmorillon in France, is the same type of clay. Some people ingest bentonite clay with the aim of removing toxins from the body.
This may be one of its most well studied benefits. For example, a study on chicks found that bentonite clay reduced the effects of a toxin called aflatoxin B1, which comes from certain types of mold. Chicks that received a concentrated bentonite clay product had fewer toxic effects than those who did not receive the clay. Another study looked at the effects of montmorillonite clay, which is very similar to bentonite clay, on reducing toxins in children in Ghana, West Africa.
In the study area, aflatoxins in homemade nutritional supplements are linked with poor growth and related disabilities. The researchers found that children who received a calcium montmorillonite clay product each day for 2 weeks had fewer signs of aflatoxins in their urine than those who did not receive it.
In a small-scale animal study , rats consumed wastewater that contained cyanide. Researchers gave some of the rats various amounts of bentonite clay or a placebo. Those that received the most clay had the lowest amount of the toxin in their bodies after 3 weeks. Scientists need to conduct more research before they can confirm that bentonite clay is safe and effective for use in humans.
Mix up to 1 teaspoon tsp of bentonite clay with 6—8 ounces oz of purified water and drink once per day. People can buy bentonite clay powder in drug stores or choose from many brands online. Be sure to choose a form of clay that the manufacturer has labeled as edible. Take bentonite clay at least 2 hours before or after taking any medications. Because it can adsorb other molecules, bentonite clay may bind to some medications and reduce their effectiveness.
Using a clay face mask can help remove impurities from the skin to treat acne or reduce the risk of pimples and skin infections. Many commercial facial masks contain clays because of their clarifying effect on the skin. Some skin care masks contain bentonite, but a person can also make their own bentonite mask at home.
Mix bentonite clay powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply to the areas of skin that are prone to oil or acne.
Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat two or three times per week. Otherwise, people can choose from a range of premade bentonite clay face masks online.
Some people use bentonite clay to cleanse specific parts of their body. Learn more about using bentonite clay in an armpit detox and a foot detox here. Many people are allergic to urushiol, the oil that poison ivy plants produce. When their skin comes into contact with poison ivy, they may develop the characteristic rash as an allergic reaction.
A poison ivy rash can cause redness, irritation, and severe itching. A study from found that bentonite clay can treat poison ivy rash and speed up healing following an allergic reaction. Wash the skin with soap and water as soon as possible after touching poison ivy. Use dish soap or a soap designed to remove oils to help remove the urushiol from the skin.
Mix bentonite clay with water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Cover with a clean bandage or gauze pad. Repeat several times per day until the rash is gone. One study in rats found that ingesting a montmorillonite clay product helped reduce weight gain among those eating a high-fat diet.
Although some traditional healing methods have used clay products for many years, there are better ways to lose weight. Reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity levels are still the best choices. One review of the benefits of bentonite clay has suggested that the clay may help some people who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. This use of bentonite clay merits more research but shows promise.
Some research suggests that adsorbent clays such as bentonite may help alleviate virus-related digestive issues, such as diarrhea.
For example, rotavirus can cause severe diarrhea and spreads easily from person to person. One study found that an adsorbent clay called diosmectite helped stop rotavirus from replicating.
If you want to go the DIY route, simply dip your wet toothbrush in bentonite clay powder and start brushing. Consult with your dentist first if you have any concerns. Let's get one thing straight: Bentonite clay naturally contains trace amounts of heavy metals, including lead.
While it sounds scary, the amounts found in bentonite clay products sold to consumers are likely too low to cause problems. Levels per 1-teaspoon serving of clay are typically lower than those you'd find in a serving of some vegetables and plant foods, like sweet potatoes or mixed nuts, due to the natural presence of lead in soil.
Additionally, the lead present in bentonite clay is bonded to other molecules, which means it may actually be safer than the isolated forms of lead you'd find in lead paint or contaminated cosmetics. One brand describes it this way : "The lead atoms in bentonite clay are so tightly bound in a matrix with other atoms that they do not break away from this matrix as the clay travels through your body or interacts with your skin.
In fact, these clay molecules have an unusually large surface area with such a strong negative charge, they act like a strong magnet to draw the positively charged lead out of your body. While that claim may sound self-promotional, animal research does seem to support it. Remember the pig study mentioned above? It found that feeding the pigs montmorillonite clay the same as bentonite clay for days reduced the concentration of lead in their blood, brain, liver, bone, kidneys, and hair.
Even so, there have still been some scares—in , the U. This means it's extremely important to purchase a clay sold by a reputable brand that has ideally done an elemental analysis of their product to ensure safe lead levels if you don't see one on their website, you can request one. While the consensus on whether or not you should ever consume bentonite clay is still pretty iffy if you're at all tempted, always consult with your doctor first , topical use of bentonite clay appears to be quite safe.
But, of course, if you experience skin irritation, discontinue use. Want your passion for wellness to change the world?
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Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. Stephanie Eckelkamp is a writer and editor who has been working for leading health publications for the past 10 years. She received her B. Medical review by Molly Maloof, M. Medical Doctor. Molly Maloof, M. She founded her first technology company focused on bringing continuous glucose monitoring to the masses to optimize nutrition and health.
Last updated on September 28, In This Article. What exactly is bentonite clay? The benefits of bentonite clay. It may help rid the body of heavy metals.
It may promote good digestion. It may help fight off serious bacterial infections like MRSA. It's been shown to soothe and protect skin.
It may improve the appearance of skin and hair. How to use bentonite clay for skin, hair, and health. Now, here are some of our favorite bentonite clay uses for health and beauty:.
Soothing skin paste. Armpit mask. Nourishing face mask. Clarifying hair mask. Skin-softening clay bath. Soothing foot soak. Tooth-brushing powder. Potential bentonite clay dangers: Are there side effects? Bottom Line. Daniel Amen, M.
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