Bentonite Clay (India)  

Bentonite Clay

• A naturally occurring absorbent clay formed from volcanic ash.
• Rich in montmorillonite, which gives it strong detoxifying and swelling properties.
• “Indian Bentonite Clay” refers to material sourced from India, which is widely used in cosmetics, Ayurveda, and wellness products.
• Used externally (cosmetic grade) and sometimes internally (food/medicinal grade, but only under professional guidance).

🔹 Key Properties

• Highly absorbent → draws out oils, toxins, and impurities.
• Negative ionic charge → binds with positively charged toxins and heavy metals.
• Rich in minerals → silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron.
• Swelling capacity → expands when hydrated, creating a gel-like texture.

🔹 Cosmetic & Wellness Benefits

1. Skin Care

• Deep cleansing masks → unclogs pores, removes impurities.
• Acne treatment → absorbs excess oil and reduces breakouts.
• Soothing → calms irritation, rashes, and insect bites.
• Exfoliation → gently polishes dead skin cells when used in scrubs.

2. Hair Care

• Used in scalp masks to remove buildup.
• Restores shine and softness by detoxifying the scalp.

3. Body Care

• Detox baths → help pull toxins and heavy metals from skin.
• Deodorants & powders → absorb sweat and odor.

4. Ayurvedic & Traditional Uses

• Applied for skin disorders, wound healing, and detox rituals.
• Sometimes ingested in Ayurveda (only in food/medicinal grade form) for gut health, though caution is essential.

🔹 Typical Applications in Cosmetics

• Face masks & packs (alone or with aloe, honey, or oils).
• Body wraps & scrubs.
• Acne formulations (spot treatments, cleansers).
• Natural deodorants & powders.

Recommended use:

• Face masks: Mix 1–2tsp with water/rose water → apply 10–15 min.
• Cosmetic formulations: Often used at 5–20% in masks, scrubs, and cleansers.

🔹 Safety & Considerations

• Topical use is safe for most skin types.
• Can be drying → best paired with hydrating ingredients (aloe, glycerin, honey).
• Not all bentonite clay is food grade → avoid internal use unless certified edible and recommended by a practitioner.
• Store in a dry, airtight container (moisture reduces potency).