It is an odorless, greenish-grey fine powder formed from volcanic ash, largely founding in from Fort Benton in Wyoming—hence its name. But it was initially discovered in Montmorillon, France. Thus it is used interchangeably with montmorillonite clay, but we usually see it labeled in Indian natural health stores and herb stores as bentonite clay.
The clay has a long history of use in both internal and external health remedies across indigenous cultures, however, it is now a popular ingredient in commercial natural products or sold alone for DIY recipes due to its myriad of uses.
Bentonite Clay Mask Benefits
Bentonite clay is packed with minerals including calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium; thus you could easily call it food for the skin. Not only does it enrich your skin with nutrients; but it has the ability to draw out unwanted toxins and acne-causing sebum, which is a primary cause of acne breakouts.
But acne isn’t the only reason that you would want to use a clay mask. You may also want to make a bentonite clay mask to:
Refresh your skin by removing dead skin
Help clean your skin with bentonite clay for skin
Promote younger-looking skin
Even your skin tone
Soothe and drain minor skin conditions such as poison oak, poison ivy etc.
Enrich your skin with nutrients
5 DIY Bentonite Clay Mask Recipes
Acne Fighting Mask
Bentonite clay is packed with minerals including calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium; thus you could easily call it food for the skin. Not only does it enrich your skin with nutrients; but it has the ability to draw out unwanted toxins and acne-causing sebum, which is a primary cause of acne breakouts.
Ingredient List:
2 tbsp bentonite clay
3 drops tea tree oil
¼ tsp apple cider vinegar
Rosewater or distilled water (as needed)
Directions:
Mix the rosewater with bentonite clay until it forms a smooth, wet paste.
Once that is done, add the other ingredients.
Apply the mask on your face, excluding your eyes and mouth.
Leave on until it hardens.
Wash off with warm water.
Hydrating Skin Mask
Ingredient List:
2 tbsp bentonite clay
Rosewater (as needed)
¼ tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp jojoba seed oil
3 drops lavender oil
5 drops calendula infused oil
Directions:
Again, mix the rosewater with clay until it forms a paste
Next, add the rest of the ingredients.
Apply the mask all over your face, but avoid your eyes and mouth.
Leave the mask on for 15 minutes.
Then, wash it off with warm water.
Rash and Irritation Relief Mask
Ingredient List:
¼ cup warm water
¼ cup grapeseed oil or jojoba oil
5 drops tea tree oil
5 drops peppermint oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
3-4 tbsp bentonite clay
5 drops calendula infused oil
Directions:
Mix the warm water with the grapeseed oil and put some on your face.
Once the mixture dries, add the clay to the remaining oil in a bowl and mix together.
Apply the mixture to your face, excluding your eyes and mouth. Wait until the mask hardens and then rinse with warm water.
Anti-Aging Mask
Ingredient List:
¼ cup matcha
2 tbsp bentonite clay
1 tsp kaolin clay
â…“ tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp water
Directions:
Mix the water and kaolin clay together.
Add the bentonite clay. (You can add more water if necessary, to create a thick, smooth paste.)
Lastly, add the matcha until it blends into the mixture smoothly.
Finally, add the apple cider vinegar.
Apply the mask all over the face, except your eyes and lips.
Let the mask dry for 15-20 minutes.
Wash the mask off with luke-warm water.
Anti-Redness Mask
Ingredient List:
3 tbsp bentonite clay
5 drops lavender oil
1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp honey
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together. (If the clay is too dry, you can add distilled water or rosewater to make a smooth paste).
Apply liberally to your face, excluding your eyes and mouth.
Rinse with warm water after 15 minutes.
Maximize the Benefits of Your Bentonite Clay Mask
Wash your face with a Facial Cleanser. Remove excess dirt and makeup before applying a face mask for optimal results.
Use these masks no more than twice a week. This way you can prevent your skin from getting dry and irritated.
Mix these masks in a non-metallic bowl. The metal takes away some of the beneficial qualities of the bentonite clay.
Store the excess mask in a glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It will better preserve the healing and moisturizing properties.