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Why would you need a bentonite clay mask recipe? Because it literally works wonders on the skin. I’m a big fan of all types of clay masks, but the favorite amongst them is always bentonite. Let me explain why before I proceed to give you recipes for DIY bentonite clay masks, three versions for different skin types.
- What is Bentonite Clay?
- What Are the Benefits of Bentonite Clay?
- Detoxifying agent when taken internally
- Regulating the digestive tract
- Balancing the production of sebum
- Armpit detox and deodorant
- Homemade toothpaste
- Skin protecting and amplifying the UV protection of sunscreens
- Protecting from and healing poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis
- Healing skin lesions and diaper rash
- How to Use Bentonite Clay on the Skin?
- Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe Three Ways
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite is adsorbent aluminum phyllosilicate clay. It’s been formed from ancient volcanic ash that was once exposed to seawater, from which the clay gets a whole lot of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, copper, potassium, and silica.
It is named after Fort Benton, Wyoming where its largest sources have been found.
It is brimming with natural minerals, which provide additional benefits when the clay is consumed or applied topically.

What Are the Benefits of Bentonite Clay?
This miracle clay has many healing properties, for two applications: internally, usually taken with water; and, topically, by applying it on the skin, usually mixed wiht water into a paste.
Here are a few of the main benefits of bentonite clay.
Detoxifying agent when taken internally
When you consume the clay, it may adsorb toxins or other unwanted substances from the digestive tract. This is why it can be used as a detoxifying agent in cases of mild metal or other poisonings.
Bentonite clay has been shown to act as a detoxifying agent. This property is referring to the clay’s poly-cationic nature, which leads to the absorption of negative charge toxins
NIH National Library of Medicine
In other words, because bentonite clay has a negative charge, it can bind to positively charged metals such as lead.
Regulating the digestive tract
Bentonite clay is helpful in cases of constipation for those with IBS and also in cases of diarrhea.
Research suggests that adsorbent clays such as bentonite may help alleviate virus-related digestive issues, such as diarrhea.
Medical News Today
Balancing the production of sebum
Bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and dirt from the skin. For those with oily skin, applying a face mask with bentonite clay works by removing the excess of oil and impurities.
It is really great for those with acne. The clay not only regulates the sebum on the skin’s surface, but it also can calm the inflammation around the breakouts.

Armpit detox and deodorant
This is another awesome use for bentonite clay, and I wrote about it in this post on DIY deodorant. Check it out here.
Homemade toothpaste
Thanks to its adsorbent qualities and the high content of silica, bentonite is a choice ingredient when making a DIY toothpaste. The clay’s naturally abrasive and antibacterial properties might also help whiten the teeth by removing stains.
Skin protecting and amplifying the UV protection of sunscreens
Mineral Sunscreens are best – see why in this post – and apparently Bentonite is one of the minerals that offer great sun protection. Even though not FDA approved to date, bentonite clay containing lotions appear more potent than other widely available sunscreens.
Sun lotions containing specific proportion of bentonite and zeolite minerals were capable of absorbing the highest level of UV light compared to that of the commercially available sun lotion.
Production of a Novel Mineral-based Sun Lotion for Protecting the Skin
Protecting from and healing poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis
Benotonite’s protective and soothing properties make it a great choice when dealing with poison ivy and poison oak. It works as a preventive agent – when applied before possible contact with poison ivy or oak.
It also soothes the dermatitis that results from the contact with these plants.
Bentonite lotion was effective in preventing or diminishing experimentally produced poison ivy and poison oak allergic contact dermatitis.
Prevention of poison ivy and poison oak allergic contact dermatitis by quaternium-18 bentonite

Healing skin lesions and diaper rash
Some researchers suggested that bentonite clay particles form a physical barrier that protects the skin. This is the main reason why bentonite cream or lotion works evern faster on diaper rash than another protective agent – calendula.
Aside from providing the barrier, bentonite clay can draw out impurities and skin-irritating substances, and thus help with various skin conditions.
How to Use Bentonite Clay on the Skin?
It should be clear by now that bentonite clay has numerous benefits for the skin’s health and appearance.
When applied to the skin in the form of a mask, the detoxing effects are felt literally by pulling and tugging on the skin. As the clay paste dries out, you can feel the oil being sucked out of the pores. I love that feeling! Oil, impurities, blackheads are all adsorbed by the clay and removed with it when you wash off the mask.
A study on men and women with mild acne found that a mask of jojoba oil and bentonite clay—applied two or three times a week for six weeks—was effective at reducing the number of acne lesions by an average of 54 percent.
MBG
The high silica content helps the skin in one additional way. It can boost collagen production. This is why this clay mask is so versatile! It is super beneficial not only for acne sufferers or those with oily skin looking to regulate their sebum production. Mature skin that is on drier side will see great improvements likewise.

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Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe Three Ways
First of all, where shoul you get your bentonite clay? It is very important to get any cosmetic ingredients from a reputable source. Last thing you need is to introduce any unwanted toxins and impurities from an impure clay when trying to detox your skin.
The two places where I get my clays are Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals. The quality and purity of their products is amazing, and the customer service superb.
And now to the recipes. The amounts given are for one use for one person, so if you’re making a batch or using it during a girls’ spa night, make sure to adjust accordingly.
Simple Bentonite Clay Face Mask Recipe
Good for all skin types
2 tsp Bentonite Clay
1-2 TBS Purified Water of Hydrosol
A few drops of essential oils (Lavender, Frankincense, or Rose are always a good option)
Optional for drier skin types (a few drops of Jojoba Oil)
![]() Bentonite Clay – $6.58 Bentonite Clay4 oz of Bentonite Clay (montmorillonite) |

Jojoba Oil (Unrefined) – $16.58
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.
- Place the clay in a small bowl or jar.
- Start adding the water and mixing. Add enough water to make a spreadable paste. I prefer to make mine a bit more watery so that I can apply the mask with a brush.
- When the desired consistency is reached add essential oils (3-4 drops total) and optional Jojoba Oil
- Spread all over the face and neck.
- Relax for 15-20 minutes until the mask dries off.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Tone and moisturize as usual.
NOTE: This mask is super simple and could also be used on other parts of the body like chest or back for acne sufferers. Just make sure to lie down on a towel to avoid unnecessary messes.
Bentonite Clay Face Mask with Charcoal and Green Tea
This is the version that I call a Dirt Magnet. This mask will benefit especially those with blemish-prone and oily skin, but it can be used by other skin types as well.
Charcoal doubles the impurity-drawing property of this mask, while the green tea powder nourishes and soothes the inflamed skin.
Tea tree is the essential oil most useful when trying to fight the acne-causing bacteria. Lavender soothes the irritated skin.
2 tsp Bentonite Clay
½ tsp Activated Charcoal powder (or contents from two capsules)
½ tsp of Matcha Green Tea powder (omit if you don’t have or replace with Spirulina, Chlorella, or Moringa powder)
1-2 TBS Purified Water of Hydrosol
A few drops of essential oils (Tea Tree and Lavender)

Cafe Grade Gotcha Matcha – 40 Servings – $31.00
from: Matcha Source

Charcoal, Activated Powder (Hardwood) – $9.75
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.

Tea Tree Hydrosol is a mild version of the more familiar scent of tea tree essential oi… [More]
- Place the clay, charcoal and Matcha in a small bowl or jar.
- Start adding the water and mixing. Add enough water to make a spreadable paste.
- When the desired consistency is reached add essential oils (3-4 drops total).
- Spread all over the face and neck.
- Relax for 15-20 minutes until the mask dries off.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Tone and moisturize as usual.


NOTE: If it’s too much bother to get all the ingredients, I offer this mask in my shop section.
Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe for Mature Skin
Here, I am adding raw honey which is a great humectant (draws water into the skin) as well as Aloe Vera to soothe and protect the skin. Adding these two will make the mask gentler on the skin. You won’t feel that oil-sucking dryness when the mask dries.
Vitamin E, Rosehip Oil, and Geranium, Sandalwood, or Neroli essential oils such add skin-loving properties.
2 tsp Bentonite Clay
1 tsp Raw Honey (Manuka is best but pricey, so any raw honey is perfectly fine)
1-2 TBS Purified Water of Hydrosol
3-4 drops of essential oils (pick one or mix)
A few drops of Vitamin E (or contents of one capsule)
A few drops of Rosehip Oil

Rose hydrosol is comforting and warm. It can provide a sense of well-being and peace [More]

Vitamin E Oil – $15.08
from: Starwest Botanicals Inc.

Extra Virgin means that the oil is of the highest quality and is produced as a result a… [More]
- Place the clay in a small bowl or jar.
- Add the honey.
- Start adding the water and add enough to make a spreadable paste.
- When the desired consistency is reached add essential oils, Vitamin E, and Rosehip Oil.
- Spread all over the face and neck.
- Relax for 15-20 minutes or longer.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Tone and moisturize as usual.

There you have it! Bentonite Clay Mask recipe in three varieties. Pick one or try them all. The benefits of the clay and all the other ingredients will make your skin sing with joy and gratitude.
Happy masking!
If you’re interested in other DIY recipes, check out this download.
Thank you for a great post. Was looking for a great natural mask and I just found it.
Very happy to hear this Giangi!
This is exactly what I need! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
These are amazing recipes, have ordered all my ingredients…can’t wait to use them
Great to hear! Please let me know how it goes when you use them a few times.
Love these recipes, how often should you use a mask?
I use a clay mask at least once per week. It’s a nice way to detox the skin and enjoy some self-care.