So you got some Bentonite clay (or other green clay) and you want to make some kind of facial mask with it. There are a ton of bentonite clay mask recipes out there and it’s easy to feel lost, or like you’re not sure which recipe would be better for your skin in particular.
Below you’ll find 4 different Bentonite clay mask recipes – the classic basic version and 3 variations on the simple clay mask ingredients. All recipes are simple and don’t require any fancy stuff.
For each recipe I’ll specify which skin type or condition it’s best suited for. And I’ll also explain why that is. But first…
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What is bentonite clay exactly?
Bentonite clay is a highly absorbent type of clay that belongs to the montmorillonite family of clays.
Very roughly speaking, clays are a type of soil material that is highly plastic when it comes into contact with water. They’re very rich in certain minerals – mostly silica, alumina and magnesia – but also iron, potassium, sodium, and calcium, to varying degrees.
There are many different types of clay, with different particle sizes and mineral composition, which give it different colors, different consistencies when in contact with water, and varying absorption levels.
However, they have in common a basic behavior, which is ion exchange.
How do clay masks work?
This ion exchange capability of clays means they soak up ions (electrically charged atoms and molecules) and release them again when conditions change. (*)
This ability creates adsorption (a manner of absorption) and it’s why clays are so good for the skin.
Many clays, such as bentonite clay, are antimicrobial as well, due in great part to their ion charge. Clays of all kinds have been used for millennia as healing and beauty ingredients, all over the world.
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How to mix your bentonite clay mask successfully
Some clays can be tricky to mix into a smooth paste sometimes – bentonite is one of them. If you’re getting clumps and air pockets, try the following:
IMPORTANT NOTE: When handling clays of any kind, don’t use metal tools. This interferes with the ion charge of the clays and, therefore, with their adsorption abilities. So stick with porcelain, stone, silicone, plastic, wood…you get the idea.
A Bentonite clay mask 4 ways
1 – Basic Bentonite Clay Mask (all skin types)
- 2 TB bentonite clay
- 2 TB water (approx.)
This is the basics of any clay mask and it’s in fact how you would find them “in nature” – it’s mud!
This recipe can be used by all skin types, although when using a stronger clay like bentonite, it can feel “drying” to already dehydrated or dry skin conditions.
If this is the case, you can either try the moisturizing bentonite clay face mask variation below, or simply switch to another gentler clay, such as rose or white (Kaolin) clay.
2 – Heavy-Duty Bentonite Clay Mask (acne-prone / congested skin)
- 2 TB bentonite clay
- 2 TB water (approx.)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt salt
The basic clay mask above will be very effective for acne-prone or otherwise congested skin. Bentonite clay and other types of green clay are actually considered one of the best types of clay for these skin conditions, because it’s so absorbent.
However, you can kick it up a notch by adding some kind of salt to the water first. This will increase its skin healing and absorption abilities. Think of the amazing healing properties of Dead Sea mud – among other minerals, it’s very rich in magnesium and other salts.
Simply dissolve some sea salt, magnesium or Epson salts in the water you’re going to use (warm it if necessary). Then use that water (once cool) to make your clay paste.
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3 – Skin Soothing Bentonite Clay Mask (sensitive / irritated skin)
- 2 TB bentonite clay
- 2 TB milk (approx.)
For more sensitive skin types, or irritated skin conditions, try mixing in some milk to make your paste, instead of water.
Milk is very soothing and anti-inflammatory for the skin. It is also rich in AHAs, namely lactic acid. AHAs are among the best anti-aging skincare ingredients: they improve fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin firmness. (*)
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4 – Moisturizing Bentonite Clay Mask (dry / dehydrated skin)
- 2 TB bentonite clay
- 2 TB water (approx.)
- ½ tsp carrier oil
OR
- 2 TB bentonite clay
- 2 TB cream (approx.)
To make a moisturizing version of your bentonite clay mask you can try two things. Simply make your paste using cream (the kind you cook with), or add a dash of carrier oil to your basic clay water paste.
You can add any carrier oil you have on hand, so whatever you’re already using on your face or body will be fine. Just make sure it’s 100% pure (no other additives) and cold-pressed (to make sure you’re getting all the nutritional goodness they have to offer).
On the other hand, using cream will pair the moisturizing ability of the natural fats, with the skin benefits of the lactic acid, already mentioned above. (*) The cream will also be more skin soothing and anti-inflammatory.
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You can get a whole lot more exotic and creative with your Bentonite clay mask recipes. For instance, other ingredients you could play with include powders (oats, herbs, spices), herbal teas, and even some vinegar.
These are just some basics to get your started and give you an idea of the possibilities. It’s also good to start with the single ingredient variations, so you can judge more clearly how each ingredient affects your skin in particular. This will make you better equipped to create or choose other more complex DIYs down the road.
Please let me know what you think in the comments if you try any of these!
