Bentonite clay belongs in every natural medicine cabinet AND natural beauty routine! But what is bentonite clay? And how exactly do you use it?

In my bathroom I have about 7 small paper bags filled with an identical substance.

Bentonite clay.

They’re basically… everywhere. (Note to self: consolidate their contents into a single glass jar.)

Needless to say, I’m kind of, sort of, definitely obsessed with the stuff. It’s more than an obsession, really — it’s a dependence. I’ve grown to need it. No no, the stuff isn’t addictive, but it’s become a staple in both my health and beauty routines that I really can’t live without.

First things first, what makes bentonite clay so special?

Bentonite clay is sedimentary clay composed of weathered and aged volcanic ash. The most active deposits of which are in Wyoming and Montana.

It’s a “healing clay,” a clay that absorbs impurities such as toxins and heavy metals either when ingested or applied topically. According to Mountain Rose Herbs,

Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an ‘electrical charge’… When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound.”

It is for this reason that bentonite clay should never be stored in a metal container or stirred with a metal spoon (hence the bamboo spoon in my photos) since the clay absorbs the metals and becomes less effective.

Bentonite clay is also rich in minerals like silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.

A good quality bentonite clay is grey or cream in color — steer clear of white “bentonite clay” (since it’s likely not actually bentonite clay). It is very fine, has a velvet feel, is odorless and non-staining. I get my bentonite clay from Mountain Rose Herbs — it’s my go-to for the highest quality herbal remedy and DIY natural skincare ingredients!

So how can you use this oh-so-special clay in your natural health and beauty routine?

There’s a seemingly endless number of ways to put bentonite clay to good use!

Here’s how I use bentonite clay every day, week, and month…

Everyday

In my deodorant for some extra detoxification

Bentonite clay is the ingredient that puts the “detox” in my DIY all-natural detoxifying deodorant. Not only does it absorb moisture, but it also helps pull toxins from the skin. This is so SUPER important since we have lymph nodes near our armpits. In essence, it is the anti-antiperspirant 🙂

Every Week

As a pure-purging face mask

Because of its ability to absorb impurities, bentonite clay works wonders for clogged pores.

Pair it with activated charcoal — a medicinal charcoal that also works to absorb impurities — and a little water and you’ve got the Blackhead Busting Blackout Mask. I use it once a week to help maintain a clear complexion.

Every Month

Sprinkled in the tub for a detox bath

I add just ¼ cup of bentonite clay to my baths to help draw out impurities while I relax and get nice and clean. See what else I add here: Relaxing Detox Bath Recipe

As a detox clay foot mask

Yes, a foot mask! I know, it sounds a little nutty. BUT detoxing through the feet is considered one of the safest ways to do so. Get all the details here: Detox Clay Foot Mask

But this is just the beginning… There are so many great ways to use bentonite clay!

Now I know that 7 bags is a little excessive (I have a habit of buying more before I actually need it!), but it is a great staple for every medicine cabinet.

Do you use bentonite clay for anything in particular? I’d love to hear how!