5 Great Uses for Bentonite Clay In Your DIY Skincare Routine

  Did you know that many of the beauty and skin soothing products in your cupboard can be replaced by one, natural ingredient? Yes, that's right, Bentonite Clay is the ingredient and it comes with centuries of use and experience to back it up.

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is a nutrient rich, sedimentary clay comprised of aged volcanic ash. It is widely considered to be a healing clay that has the ability to soothe the skin and absorb toxins, impurities and odours. For this reason it is an excellent DIY skincare ingredient. Good quality bentonite clay, which you can find online and in-store at Biome, is grey or cream in colour. Bentonite clay that is white should be avoided since there is a risk of it not actually being bentonite clay. It has a very soft, velvet feel, is odourless and will not stain. Our bentonite clay is Australian and 100% pure with no additives. It has a naturally high concentration of minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron and potassium. It is also food grade compliant (FSANZ). Due to bentonite clay's absorptive properties, it has the ability to absorb metals from objects, so try to avoid metal coming into contact with it when handling or storing it (use a wooden spoon, glass bowl, etc.). Our bentonite clay comes in a reusable glass jar with a BPA free plastic lined metal lid, so not metal comes into contact with the clay. Shop bentonite clay online and in our four Brisbane stores.

Bentonite Clay Through the Ages

The most prolific source of bentonite clay is from Fort Benton, Wyoming, hence the name. This is still where most of the supply comes from although it is also sourced in other countries. It has been known as a healing clay for centuries among indigenous peoples from Australia, the Andes and Central Africa. The first recorded use can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia. It is totally natural and well known for its detoxification properties, especially when used on the skin.

How to Simplify your Bathroom Cabinet with Bentonite Clay

Remineralising Toothpaste

One of the lesser known uses of bentonite clay is for remineralising your choppers. Dietary habits as opposed to genetics can oftentimes mean the difference between decay and perfect teeth. So why are we told that cavities are not reversible? If bones can heal and rejuvenate then why can't teeth? Well, maybe they can with the use of proper nutrients and minerals that take cavities away and build the teeth back up. Because bentonite clay has such absorptive properties it binds to unhealthy gunk in the mouth and removes it. It also has antibacterial properties so is perfect to use mixed with water as a rinse. Along with other ingredients like coconut oil, bentonite clay helps to increase the health and strength of teeth Bentonite clay is found in many natural toothpastes but you an make your own with our simple recipe: Find the full recipe and ingredients link here >

DIY Shampoo

Is there anything you can't make with bentonite clay? It is such a versatile ingredient that you can even make your own shampoo with it. This is great news for your health and the planet with less packaging going to landfill. Bentonite clay works on hair in a similar way to skin, by binding to impurities and cleansing. It also leaves your crowning glory shiny with exceptional volume. Check out our natural recipe using bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar (from your pantry), castor oil, rose hydrosol (optional) and lavender essential oil. The recipe mentions kaolin white clay but you can substitute with bentonite clay. Find the full recipe and ingredient link here >

Natural Deodorant

Our DIY natural deodorant is really easy to make, healthier for you than conventional antiperspirant, and better for the environment. While our natural deodorant recipe will not act as an antiperspirant, the bentonite clay in it is excellent at controlling odour, while allowing your underarms to breathe. In a glass bowl using wooden utensils, mix bi-carb and bentonite clay. Add coconut oil and lavender, peppermint and rosemary essential oils. Transfer to a small wide mouthed jar. To use, rub a pea sized amount into clean, dry underarms using your fingertips. This mixture will dry quickly into a non sticky powder form. Find the full recipe and ingredient links here >

Homemade Calamine Lotion

Our homemade calamine lotion uses absorptive, healing and soothing bentonite clay, bi-carb soda, Tasmanian sea salt and essential oil. Bentonite clay is fantastic at treating mosquito and insect bites, shrinking the bites and significantly soothing the itchiness once it has been applied. In a glass bowl using wooden utensils, mix bi-carb, Tasmanian sea salt and bentonite clay. Add filtered water, lavender essential oil and palm oil free glycerin, and stir until blended. Use to soothe insect bites, rashes, chicken pox, and nappy rash. Find the full recipe and ingredient links here >

Deep Cleansing DIY Face Mask with Bentonite Clay, Raw Honey & Lavender

With the inclusion of bentonite clay, our deep cleansing DIY face mask works to attract, trap and remove dirt, oil and toxins from the skin and body, and minimise pores. Bentonite clay binds to toxins and bacteria on the surface of the skin and within the pores. When bentonite clay is mixed with water and applied to the face as a mask it is very effective at drawing out the nasties and paving the way for a clear complexion. In a glass bowl, combine bentonite clay and tea tree powder. Add raw honey, lavender essential oil and apple cider vinegar, and mix into a smooth paste. Apply a generous amount to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off. Use 1-2 times a week for best results. Find the full recipe and ingredient links here >

Discover Biome’s Naked Beauty Bar^TM

Looking to simplify, reduce waste and know exactly what you are putting on your skin? At Biome’s Naked Beauty Bar^TM, you will find all of the beautiful raw ingredients you need to make your own natural skin care and cleaning products. These ingredients are available in convenient reusable glass jars, and in bulk from all of our stores. Find all our DIY skin care and cleaning recipes here > Find all our DIY skin care ingredients online here > Share your Naked Beauty Bar^TM DIY skin care and cleaning products with us by tagging your photos with #BiomeNakedBeauty on Facebook and Instagram.