Beyond Face Masks: 6 Practical Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is well known for its powerful skin-cleansing properties, especially in face masks. But did you know this natural clay can enhance your daily wellbeing in several other ways? It offers a safe, eco-friendly alternative to many conventional products.

The clay is harvested, dried, milled and packaged with no chemicals used. It is compliant to Food Standards Australia & NZ. It is not tested on animals, is suitable for vegans, and is allergen free. This bentonite clay has no added colourings, fragrances or flow agents.

Here are some of the lovely ways you can use bentonite clay, beyond the classic face mask:

1. Bentonite Clay as a Natural Alternative to Talc and Baby Powder

Talc-based powders have raised health concerns, prompting many to seek safer options. Our bentonite clay is silky smooth, highly absorbent, and gentle on the skin, making it a wonderful natural alternative to talc or commercial baby powders. It helps keep skin dry, soothes irritation, and can help ease nappy rash and other skin issues like eczema. It's great at preventing chafing, especially in humid environments, when you're taking part in sports, walking, or simply 'doing life'.

Some people suggest mixing the clay with a few drops of soothing essential oils like lavender or frankincense and storing it in a powder shaker for easy use. But we find it just as soothing without the added oils.

2. Bentonite Clay as a Tooth Cleaning Powder and Homemade Toothpaste

Bentonite clay’s detoxifying and antibacterial properties make it an excellent ingredient for your oral care. It binds to toxins, bacteria, and plaque in your mouth, helping to detoxify and maintain healthy gums and teeth. Its fine texture gently polishes teeth without damaging enamel, unlike harsher commercial toothpastes.

You can make your own tooth cleaning powder by mixing bentonite clay with baking soda (and a touch of cinnamon if you like) for a natural, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional toothpaste. For extra freshness, add a drop of peppermint essential oil. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into the powder, and brush as usual.

Some people prefer the paste texture. For this, blend bentonite clay with coconut oil, baking soda, water, and essential oils if desired. This paste cleanses, detoxifies, and supports oral health without synthetic additives.

3. Bentonite Clay as a Detoxifying Mouthwash

Bentonite clay can also be used as a natural mouthwash. Stir a teaspoon (don't use a metal one) of clay into a glass of water, swish it around your mouth for a minute or so, then spit it out. This rinse binds toxins and bacteria from your teeth, gums, and tongue, helping to create fresher breath and a cleaner mouth environment.

4. Bentonite Clay as a DIY Shampoo

Bentonite clay isn’t just for skin and oral care - its negative ions can also cleanse your hair naturally. It binds to impurities and excess oils on the hair and scalp, leaving hair shiny, voluminous, and refreshed. Mixing bentonite clay with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, castor oil, and essential oils creates a gentle, effective shampoo that reduces packaging waste and avoids harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates.

Here's an example of a shampoo 'recipe' that should make enough for one wash. But you can easily increase the ingredients and store in a sealable container.

1/4 to 1/2 cup water

1 tbsp bentonite clay

1tsp coconut oil (optional)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

Combine all the ingredients till you have a paste. Massage this into your wet hair and leave for a few minutes before rinsing out.

5. Bentonite Clay as a Natural Deodorant

If you’re looking to ditch conventional deodorants, bentonite clay can help control odour naturally while allowing your skin to breathe. Combined with baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils such as lavender or rosemary, it forms a non-sticky powder deodorant that soothes and refreshes underarms without blocking natural sweating. There are many different recipes you can find online. It might be a case of experimenting to find one that suits you. For example, some people find baking soda can cause irritation or a rash.

If you’d rather use a ready-made natural deodorant, you can still use your bentonite clay as a form of armpit detox as you make the move away from the chemical-filled varieties. Simply make a paste with the clay, apple cider vinegar and water and apply generously to your armpits. Leave for about 10 minutes then rinse off. Doing this several days in a row should help remove bacteria and residue from your previous deodorant, preparing you for the switch to a natural deodorant. Do note though, if you’ve been using an antiperspirant, you are still initially likely to experience more sweating and smelling than you’re used to.

6. Bentonite Clay as a Soothing Calamine-type Lotion

Bentonite clay’s absorptive and healing qualities make it a key ingredient in homemade calamine lotion. This lotion can soothe insect bites, rashes, chickenpox, and even nappy rash by reducing itchiness and inflammation. Again, an online search will bring up a selection of 'recipes' that might suit you. Most include baking soda and apple cider vinegar. You might also include witch hazel or aloe vera gel, and soothing essential oils such as lavender or chamomile.

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Those are just 6 of the reasons we love bentonite clay! It's non-toxic, safe for sensitive skin, and free from synthetic chemicals and additives. Its unique ability to absorb toxins and impurities makes it an excellent ingredient for a variety of natural health and beauty products. Plus, using bentonite clay in DIY products helps reduce plastic waste and exposure to potentially harmful commercial ingredients.

Please note – bentonite clay and other ingredients like apple cider vinegar may dry your skin or alter its pH, so do introduce them slowly, perhaps performing a patch test to make sure it doesn’t cause you any irritation. If you do experience itching or hives, discontinue use.

This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.

If you’d like to try our SO:Cleansing Bentonite Clay 300g pouch, you’re welcome to use code CLAY to get 20% off your first order.