Bentonite Clay
A Deep Cleansing Clay with Slip & Oil Control
What Is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring clay derived from mineral-rich volcanic ash sediments found in the United States. It belongs to the montmorillonite clay family, the same broader group as French black clay.
When mixed with water, bentonite clay swells and becomes very slippery, forming a smooth, gel-like texture. This unique behavior sets it apart from many other cosmetic clays.
How Cosmetic Clays Work
Cosmetic clays clean the skin through two complementary mechanisms: adsorption and absorption.
Clays use adsorption to attract oil and surface impurities to their outer surface—much like a magnet to help rid skin of dirt and debris from everyday exposure to environmental pollutants, which can help clear blemishes.
At the same time, their naturally porous structure allows absorption, meaning oils and residues are drawn into the clay itself. Working together, these actions help lift excess oil from the skin and hold it so it can be rinsed away.
This dual action helps cleanse pores, control surface shine, and leave skin feeling refreshed and clean—without harsh surfactants or stripping ingredients.
Why Bentonite Clay Is Used in Skin & Hair Care
Bentonite clay is valued for its high absorbency, ability to interact with water, and fine particle structure, all of which influence its performance in skin and hair care.
When hydrated, bentonite absorbs water and swells, allowing it to bind surface oil, impurities, and everyday buildup through adsorption and absorption. This makes it especially useful in products designed to deeply cleanse pores, manage excess oil, and refresh the skin without aggressive scrubbing.
As it absorbs water, bentonite also develops a smooth, gel-like texture. This slick, cushiony layer provides slip, reduces drag on the skin, and allows razors to glide more easily. This property makes bentonite a popular ingredient in natural shaving soaps, where smooth glide and reduced drag are essential.
How Bentonite Clay Supports Skin & Hair
- Deep but Gentle Cleansing: Adsorption and absorption help lift surface debris, excess oil, and everyday buildup without aggressive scrubbing.
- Oil Control: Strong absorbent properties help manage excess sebum, making it useful in products for oily or breakout-prone skin.
- Pore Appearance Support: By removing oil and surface buildup, skin may appear smoother, and pores may look less noticeable.
- Slip for Shaving: When properly formulated, bentonite creates a slick, gel-like layer that helps razors glide smoothly, reducing drag and improving comfort during shaving.
- Hair & Scalp Care: In hair care, bentonite is often used to help remove excess oil and product buildup, leaving hair and scalp feeling clean and refreshed.
Skin & Hair Types
Bentonite clay is commonly used in products formulated for:
- Normal to oily skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Oily scalps
Because of its strong absorbency, higher concentrations may feel drying for very dry or highly sensitive skin types.
Buyer Beware: Clay Quality Matters
Clays are used in many industrial applications, and not all clays sold on the market are intended for cosmetic use. Lower-cost, industrial-grade clays may vary widely in purity and processing.
Knowing your clay, and how it is sourced, processed, and handled, is very important.
The clays we use are carefully sourced, ensuring they meet strict standards for cosmetic use. Since we are a USDA Certified Organic Company, the quality of our clays is also monitored by our USDA organic certification agency.
Learn More About Cosmetic Clays
Clays are complex, fascinating materials, and their behavior depends on mineral structure, particle size, and formulation.
👉 For a deeper look into the science of how cosmetic clays work and how different clays compare, read our blog: Cosmetic Clays in Skin Care
