Ingredient Spotlight: Bentonite Clay & Why It’s So Great for Oily Skin

Bentonite clay is a natural substance extracted from volcanic ash, most commonly found in the state of Wyoming. We spoke with Ginger King, CEO of Grace Kingdom Beauty, Cosmetic Product Development to get a better idea of the uses and benefits of this natural substance.

Top 5 Bentonite Clay Benefits

Bentonite has a rich history as a healing tool. It’s frequently used as a home remedy, to protect the body from disease. The clay contains an abundance of minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and silica. Its benefits on the skin include:

1. Mattifies skin: King points to bentonite clay’s ability to work as filler; it tones and tightens the skin, offering a matte finish, which lasts all day.
2. Controls oil: King also covets the ingredient’s absorbent qualities—it swells when mixed with water. Bentonite clay “absorbs oil well and can clear out impurities,” working to suck out the extra sebum on your skin.
3. Shrinks pores: Bentonite clay has astringent properties; it tightens the skin and can temporarily minimize the appearance of pores. It reduces pores long-term by unclogging them and removing excess oil from the skin.
4. Removes toxins: In her book, Living Clay: Nature’s Own Miracle Cure, Perry A. explains, “Bentonite clay molecules carry a negative electrical charge while toxins and impurities carry a positive charge.” What this means is when clay is ingested, the positively charged toxins are attracted to the “negatively charged surfaces of the clay.” They are then broken down and expelled from the body (when the clay is removed).
5. Soothes and heals: Bentonite clay helps to reduce the look of scars and is ideal for treating blemishes, but also works to minimize skin conditions (like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis). The removal of toxins can calm the skin, reducing inflammation and healing cracks and scars. The delivery of much-needed minerals and nutrients will help to revitalize the skin.

2. Indie Lee Clearing Mask (1.7 oz.)

Indie Lee Clearing Mask (1.7 oz.)

12 reviews

$60.00

COMING SOON

This purifying treatment mask helps clear and smooth the complexion. The bentonite clay draws out impurities from the skin and helps to heal blemishes and various skin conditions. Reviews Say: "This clearing face mask is incredible. I can feel it working the second I apply it to my skin. I have seen lasting improvements to the overall complexion of my skin—the majority of my acne scars have vanished. Definitely repurchasing this!"

3. The Organic Pharmacy Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask (40 ml.)

The Organic Pharmacy Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask (40 ml.)

2 reviews

RRP: $55.00Current price: $27.50

COMING SOON

Brightening and tightening, this mask energizes and revitalizes all skin types. Bentonite clay reduces inflammation and tightens the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores as well as wrinkles. Bonus: Just like the rest of The Organic Pharmacy's products, this mask is made from certified food-grade organic ingredients—for a simple, non-toxic treatment.