THE WELLNEST • Skin • Tips

3 DIY Beauty Uses for Bentonite Clay

By Zena Wozniak, NC, RYT • Updated September 27, 2021

Medically Reviewed By

We first heard about this earthy cure-all when reading up on Shailene Woodley’s all-natural routine a few years back and have since been experimenting with different ways to incorporate this detoxifying super-ingredient into our own beauty rituals. Here’s everything you need to know about bentonite clay and three ways to create a DIY clay spa day.

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Also commonly referred to as “Aztec Healing Clay,” bentonite clay is a volcanic ash that was used as a traditional healing method in the Andes, Central Africa, and Australia. It’s rich in minerals including calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium. This ingredient has become increasingly popular in the health and wellness community for its ability to remove toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals by binding with oppositely charged ions. Some people (Shailene Woodley included) will even mix the clay with water and ingest it. For now, we prefer to stick to these powerful external uses.

Three Beauty Uses for Bentonite Clay

1. Face Mask

Mix greek yogurt with clay and apply to the face. Allow to dry then rinse off. Greek yogurt gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin while bentonite clay cleanses and tightens pores.

2. Hair Mask

Mix clay with apple cider vinegar and water. Apply all over wet hair to cleanse and clarify. Take extra time to rub into the scalp to remove any dandruff present. Allow to sit for a few minutes then shampoo and condition as usual.