5 Ways To Use Bentonite Clay (complete with DIY recipes!)

Last updated on March 10, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on November 15, 2018

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[dropcap]I[/dropcap] wash my face with dirt every morning. Technically it’s called bentonite clay, but it is literally dried and powdered dirt. Which is funny, because it has worked better as a facial on my sensitive skin than any store-bought soap or cream, and its completely natural.

Bentonite clay is mined from ancient sea beds, or from weathered volcanic ash. It is typically high in minerals that are necessary for human life and has been used for generations by some indigenous populations in the Americas.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pronounceskincare.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5-ways-to-use-bentonite-clay-pronounce-skincare-shop-pinterest.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]

Archaeologists have found bentonite clay formed into balls resting in small pouches on the remains of ancient peoples, leading to the conclusion that these balls of clay had many daily uses. Use of bentonite clay is gaining traction in modern populations now!

While bentonite clay makes an amazing mud facial, I’ve also used it in many situations as a remedy and I carry a small jar in my first aid kit. I first encountered bentonite clay during finals week of my senior in college: my soon to be sister-in-law heard I was having some stomach problems, and in her kindness, filled up some pill capsules with the clay. I took it, and it worked. After years of using bentonite clay, I’ve discovered that it is very versatile in its application.

[/cs_text][cs_element_image _id=”14″ ][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

While bentonite clay makes an amazing mud facial, I’ve also used it in many situations as a remedy and I carry a small jar in my first aid kit. I first encountered bentonite clay during finals week of my senior in college: my soon to be sister-in-law heard I was having some stomach problems, and in her kindness, filled up some pill capsules with the clay. I took it, and it worked. After years of using bentonite clay, I’ve discovered that it is very versatile in its application.

[/cs_text][cs_element_line _id=”16″ ][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]Below are my 5 favorite ways to use bentonite clay![/x_custom_headline][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(110, 32%, 62%);”]1. Face Mask[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

Clay holds in moisture while your skin soaks in vital minerals needed for tissue repair and rejuvenation. Pair with a few drop of your favorite essential oils for a relaxing spa night.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp filtered water
• 2 drops of organic lavender essential oil
• 1 drop organic tea tree essential oil
• 1 drop rose absolute

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl with your finger. Once you have a nice paste, begin layering onto your face. Let it sit on your face until the clay turns white, hardens, or your skin begins to tingle and rinse the mask off with a washcloth and water. For sensitive skin, remove 5 minutes after applying.

[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]2. Soothing Skin Cream[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

If you’ve ever suffered a sunburn or bug bites, then you need a powerful anti-itching, soothing cream.

For large sunburns mix the following…

• ½ cup bentonite clay
• ½ cup of distilled water
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera

Coat thickly over affected area and wrap in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. May be left on overnight or for several hours.

For bug bites use the following…

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp filtered water

Simply apply to the bite(s) in a thick amount.

[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(110, 32%, 62%);”]3. Poultice for Sprains[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

This one may seem a little stranger than other applications, but clay has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it the perfect candidate for a poultice on sprains.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of bentonite clay
• 1 cup of filtered water

Mix together with a spoon, and then apply the paste in thick layers over the affected area. Wrap in plastic wrap to retain the moisture, and leave on 8-10 hours.

[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]4. Internal Digestive Support[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

Nothing is worse than nausea, belly aches, or a sore digestive system. Clay can be incredibly useful in soothing these areas of the body when taken internally.

Ingredients & Method

Fill 3-4 empty non-GMO vegetable capsules with bentonite clay and take before or after meals.

[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(110, 32%, 62%);”]5. Dry Shampoo[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

This is probably my favorite application of bentonite clay, because who has time to wash their hair every day? Using a pinch at a time, sprinkle bentonite clay across your scalp and massage in. Not only does it make a great dry shampoo, after a few days you may notice a bit more volume in your hair!

[/cs_text][x_blockquote cite=”” type=”center” style=”font-family: lato;”]What are your favorite ways to use bentonite clay? Tell me below![/x_blockquote][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h6″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(180, 100%, 25%);”]Looking for more recipes that use bentonite clay? We’ve got you covered over on my sister site, Scratch Mommy…[/x_custom_headline][cs_text style=”margin-top: 2em;”]

• DIY Poison Ivy Lotion Recipe
• 3 Edible Face Mask Recipes For ALL Skin Types
• DIY Skincare Toolbox (ingredients to start making your own skincare products)

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Head on over to my Pronounce Skincare Shop where I offer bentonite clay for your DIY needs.

While you are there, please look around at all of my other skincare creations. I love making them for my family and for you!

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