Can Bentonite clay treat oily scalp and skin?

Before there were benzoyl-peroxide creams or salicylic acid-spiked cleansers that could help pimples fade away, there was bentonite. This powder is named after Fort Benton in Wyoming. It has one of the largest concentrations of bentonite clay in the world. It can target skin impurities and help to weed them out.

It’s easy to find it. You can find Bentonite Clay at your local pharmacy, beauty supply shop, or health food store. It is often in powder form and packaged in simple packaging, such as a plastic jar with a twist-off lid or a bag resealable.

Aztec Secret is perhaps the most well-known brand of bentonite. The label is orange-green with an Aztec pyramid at the center. The label claims that it is the “world’s most powerful facial.” It reads “Feel your skin pulsate” when you turn it around, referring to the tightening sensation you feel after applying it.

Although it is easy to find bentonite in powder form, it can also be found in products that treat a shiny T-zone and skin with breakouts. It excels at cleaning pores of dirt and excess sebum. It is also great for your hair (which, after all, is skin), and it can deal with product buildup.

But how does this work? Is there any scientific evidence to back up its huge skin-clarifying claims? We asked dermatologists as well as cosmetic chemists how to use this ingredient in a routine to get the best results.

What is bentonite and how does it work?

Bentonite clay, which is a natural, mudlike substance made from volcanic ash, was formed around 2.6 million years ago. It is also known as Montmorillonite Clay, after the French region where it’s found.

Bentonite clay is a well-known skin-care ingredient. It can be found in face masks, cleansers, and scrubs. Joshua Zeichner MD, a New York City dermatologist, explains that bentonite clay is very absorbent and acts as a sponge to bind oil and dirt from the skin’s surface.

Bentonite clay attracts impurities because it has a negative electric charge. The clay’s contact with skin causes a change in its texture. Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist tells Allure that the clay thickens and forms gel matrix to trap oil and other makeup. This allows them to be washed away easily with water.

It is worth noting that you can Google “bentonite clay” to find two versions. King says that calcium bentonite clay can be used in skin care. It’s gentle and rich with the mineral calcium. This helps to increase cell turnover, retain moisture, and keep the skin barrier intact.

It’s not the same as sodium bentonite clay. It is used to seal ponds and lakes from water leaking. Bentonite clay for skin use should be purchased only from a calcium-rich supplier.

What does bentonite clay do for skin?

Bentonite clay is a great option for people with acne-prone or oily skin. It works brilliantly to smother grease and other substances. Ryan Turner, a New York City-based dermatologist, explains that bentonite clay can control sebum production and create a matte finish. This helps minimize the appearance of prominent pores. Dr. Turner says that the clay’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant minerals (phyllosilicates), help calm angry breakouts. Cool: It temporarily tightens the pores, making it feel like your skin has been shrink wrapped.

People love to use the term “detoxifying” when talking about bentonite, but it does not do that. Dr. Zeichner says that this is a common misconception. While bentonite clay has absorbent properties that can remove dirt and impurities from the skin, it does not filter out toxins.

Your skin doesn’t have any great toxin-purging properties. Zeichner says that the liver and kidneys are the only organs capable of detoxifying the body.

What should you do with bentonite?

Instead of spending money on a spa facial you can buy bentonite powder and make your own mask. Dr. Zeichner loves the Aztec Secret Indian Healing clay, and with good reason. He explains that the formula does not contain preservatives and is a great choice for sensitive skin.

A bonus: A two-pound jar is less than $20. Sky Organics offers the stuff in four-ounce jars if you need to make space in your bathroom cabinet.

You may find instructions for some bentonite powders that say to avoid preparing the powder in a metal container. This is to ensure the integrity of the compound. It’s not a big deal, as Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist, previously explained. He explained that many websites claim that clay will lose its magnetic charge or become less effective when it comes in contact with metal. This is false. Bentonite clay has salts that form an ionic charge in water when they are dissolved, but metal does not have any effect.

Once you are ready to use, combine one-third of the clay powder with one-third water or apple cider vinegar in a bowl to make a paste. King states that Bentonite clay is alkaline in pH. To neutralize the alkalinity, apple cider vinegar is better because it makes the mixture milder. It maintains the skin’s pH level at a normal 5.5.

Pre-mixed clay masks are also available. Dr. Turner believes that this is the best way for you to use this powerful ingredient. He says that pre-mixed products are more consistent and can provide more reliable results. Some are also infused with ingredients like aloe and glycerin to replenish hydration, or kaolin clay for gentle exfoliation. Dr. Turner adds that it is easier to know the purity of bentonite clay when you buy from a trusted skin-care brand.

He recommends a few: the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask and the Cetaphil Dermacontrol purifying clay mask. These can also be used as spot treatments. Dr. Turner advises that you apply them to individual acne cysts and breakouts, rather than spreading them across the entire face. These products can also be applied to the body, such as on the chest or shoulder.

Dr. Zeichner suggests the Simple Purifying Pink Clay Mask. It also contains calamine to soothe. This mask is difficult to find but you might also consider the M-61 PowerSpot Mask.

It all depends on your skin type and concern. Dr. Turner says that bentonite clay can be applied two to three times per week if it’s part of an anti-acne routine. For sensitive skin, apply once per week. If you don’t experience any irritation, increase the frequency.

Not to be left on the skin for too long, a bentonite clay masque should not be allowed to harden and flake. Dr. Zeichner explains that bentonite clay absorbs oil and calms down when it is still wet. However, irritation and dehydration can occur as the clay dries. Do not leave the skin dry for longer than 10 to 20 minutes. Dr. Turner recommends that you rinse with water and then use a gentle cleanser to remove any pore-clogging dirt.

You might consider using bentonite to make hair

Although bentonite clay is not the most common ingredient for healthier, shinier hair, it may be the key to the solution. Dr. Turner explained that bentonite can not only clarify the skin, but it can also exfoliate the scalp and deep clean it. Its anti-inflammatory properties could help with scalp dermatitis or flaking. Its high mineral content helps to condition the hair follicles and scalp skin.

He suggests that you section your hair, then apply the mixture of bentonite clay and water to the scalp. Pull it to the ends. Allow the mask to rest for 20 minutes.

Bentonite clay can be substituted for clarifying shampoos in order to remove residue and buildup. King says clarifying shampoos contain chelating agents such as EDTA or tetrasodium EDTA that remove excess oil from hair and scalp. Although chelating ingredients are good for hair, there are biodegradability concerns so people avoid them. An alternative to chelating ingredients for hair is bentonite clay.

Styling products are another place where bentonite is used. King says that bentonite clay is great for adding texture to hair and holding it in place. Although it’s better to buy a commercially made product, you can add some loose bentonite powder to an already-made styling paste for a similar effect.

Is there any risk in using bentonite-clay topically?

Trusted companies are best for clay if you decide to DIY. King explains that there are no regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding where bentonite clay is sourced and that some may contain toxic heavy metallics like lead. The FDA website also lists potentially dangerous brands. Dr. Turner adds that Bentonite clay also contains aluminium, which some clean beauty purists might choose to avoid when using their skin care products.

All of the experts that we spoke with agreed that bentonite is generally well tolerated. Dr. Turner recommends that you patch-test the clay by applying some to your inner forearm and then putting it on your face. If irritation occurs discontinue using it.

One catch is that bentonite can dry out your skin. Dr. Zeichner suggests that you apply a light moisturizer immediately after being exposed to the clay. This will help minimize its drying effects. Dr. Turner cautions against using bentonite clay with products that increase cell turnover. You may experience redness or sensitivity. He advises that physical exfoliants should be avoided on the day you apply a mask. They can cause skin micro-tears. To prevent irritation, avoid acids and retinoids.