10 Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is one of those simple, natural ingredients I always keep on hand for skin and hair. With just a little clay and water you can whip up a face mask, a hair treatment, or a relaxing soak.

Learn what bentonite clay is, how to choose a good one, and my favorite ways to use it, plus a couple of easy DIY recipes.

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay comes from settled volcanic ash, and it is most commonly found in Fort Benton, Wyoming, which is where it gets its name. It is a light greenish-gray color with a fine, powdery texture, and it smells like clean earth.

The clay is naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, potassium, and iron. That mineral content, along with its soft, absorbent texture, is what makes it such a lovely addition to homemade masks, soaks, and hair treatments.

How to Choose a Bentonite Clay

When you are shopping for bentonite clay, look for a product that is 100% bentonite clay. Check the label to be sure there are no added fillers or extras mixed in. You want the pure, simple stuff.

Find the clay I use and love here.

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My Favorite Ways to Use Bentonite Clay

1. Clarifying Face Mask

A clay face mask is my number one way to use bentonite clay. It leaves my skin feeling clean, fresh, and smooth, and it helps minimize the look of pores. Making your own is simple, budget-friendly, and all natural.

To make a bentonite clay face mask, all you need is bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. You can add a drop of lavender essential oil for a beautiful, calming scent. Apply the mask to clean skin, let it dry, then rinse with warm water and follow with a homemade face moisturizer.

2. Hair Mask for Soft, Clean Strands

Bentonite clay makes a wonderful hair mask. It helps cleanse the scalp, soften your strands, and tame frizz, leaving hair feeling fresh and clean.

Mix 1/4 cup bentonite clay, 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar, and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil into a paste, apply it to damp hair, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Follow up with natural homemade shampoo and homemade conditioner. Once a week is plenty.

3. Relaxing Clay Bath Soak

One of the easiest ways to enjoy bentonite clay is in a warm bath. A clay soak leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth from head to toe. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay to warm running water, stir it in, and soak for about 20 minutes.

4. Softening Foot Soak

Rough, dry feet love a clay soak. Stir a tablespoon of bentonite clay into a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes for softer-feeling skin. It is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.

5. Oil-Absorbing Refresh

Because bentonite clay is naturally absorbent, a light dusting mixed into a paste can help soak up excess oil on the skin or at the roots of your hair between washes. Use a small amount, let it sit briefly, and rinse or brush it out.

6. Gentle Body Mask

What works on your face works on the rest of you too. Spread a thin clay paste over areas like your shoulders, back, or elbows before a shower, let it dry, and rinse it away for skin that feels smooth and refreshed.

7. A Natural Addition to DIY Soaps and Masks

Bentonite clay is a lovely addition to homemade beauty projects. A spoonful stirred into melt-and-pour soap gives it a gentle, cleansing texture, and it layers beautifully with other natural masks. Try it alongside my oatmeal face mask or an activated charcoal soap when you want to get creative.

How Often Should You Use Bentonite Clay?

For most uses, once or twice a week is plenty. A clay mask can feel tightening as it dries, so start with a shorter amount of time and rinse it off well with warm water.

As with any new beauty ingredient, it is a good idea to do a small patch test on your arm first to make sure it agrees with your skin. Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Bentonite Clay Recipes

Clarifying Clay Balm

This rich little balm is lovely smoothed onto rough spots like elbows, knees, and heels.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions

1. Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. Melt over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the clay and tea tree essential oil.
3. Transfer to a mason jar with an airtight lid.
4. Smooth a small amount onto rough or dry areas as needed.

Bentonite Clay Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup bentonite clay
• 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a small glass bowl.
2. Whisk together until everything is well combined into a smooth paste.
3. Apply generously and evenly to damp hair. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse. The exact timing is up to you and your hair type.

Tips for Making Recipes with Bentonite Clay

When you are mixing anything with bentonite clay, it is best to use a glass bowl and a wooden or silicone spoon. Clay can react with metal, so skipping the metal utensils keeps your mixture at its best.

To make a basic paste, simply combine clay and water. Start with a small amount of each in a glass bowl and stir with a wooden spoon, then add more clay or water until you reach a thick, spreadable paste.

That same paste works as a face mask, hair mask, or body mask.

What is your favorite way to use bentonite clay? Let me know in the comments below; I love hearing from you!

If you enjoyed this post, you may love my rose clay face mask or my roundup of simple DIY hair masks next.