What is Bentonite Clay? Here's How to Use it to Cleanse and Purify Naturally

Bentonite Clay is the new natural beauty product that everyone is talking about. But Bentonite Clay is not a new product, it has been used for centuries by many ancient cultures including Indigenous Australians and North Americans, and the ancient Aztecs. Egyptians even used Bentonite to preserve their mummies. Today, the powerful cleansing and purifying properties of this natural product are still relevant and this has made Bentonite a highly sought-after product for those interested in natural beauty and wellness products.

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay began as volcanic ash, which was deposited to the surface of the earth millions of years ago. Gradually, over time, the minute glass particles found in the ash was compressed by either a sea or river bed to form a mineral clay compound. Because of its fine particle size and loosely bound ions, Bentonite is very effective in drawing toxins and pollutants away from the body, and therefore is used in many beauty and wellness products.

Sodium Bentonite vs Calcium Bentonite: What’s the Key Difference?

There are two forms of Bentonite Clay – Sodium Bentonite, and Calcium Bentonite. Both are predominately made up of crystalline clay minerals (Alumino-silicate) as well as either Sodium or Calcium. It is therefore the Sodium or Calcium component that give the 2 Bentonite Clays very different properties.

Sodium Bentonite is extremely absorbent and adsorbent – meaning it has the properties to swell and draw pollutants into its internal structure (absorb), as well as being able to attract positively charged substances (such as toxins) to its negatively charged surface (adsorb). It is these properties that make Sodium Bentonite – also known as Swelling Clay – such a powerful purifying substance.

Calcium Bentonite is non-swelling mineral, which is not as commonly used in beauty and wellness applications.

What is Bentonite Clay Used for?

There are many uses for bentonite clay in the beauty and wellness arena, as this product is highly versatile and can be used on the skin, in baths and even internally. Some common uses are:

• Powerful Face Mask
• Deep Skin Cleanser – used in body wraps
• To tighten and tone the skin
• Relief from Skin conditions
• To fight effects of daily pollution
• As a detox bath
• As an internal cleanser

 

How to Use Bentonite Clay:

Use a non metal bowl and implements for mixing. Always moisturise well after use.

Face Mask: Make a paste from 3 parts water or apple cider vinegar with 1 part clay. Massage into the skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Let dry for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Detox Bath: Gradually mix 1-4 cups of clay with warm water in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add to a warm bath. Soak for 20 mins. You may wish to rinse after bathing to remove excess clay from your body. Moisturise well.

Internal Use: 5 grams (approximately 1 heaped teaspoon) stirred into a drink or smoothie.

Is it safe to eat bentonite clay?

Our Australian sourced Bentonite Clay is food grade and therefore safe to consume orally in small amounts. Consuming Bentonite may offer some health benefits including improved gut health by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the digestive tract.

However, consuming excessive amounts of Bentonite Clay may increase your risk of constipation, due to its highly absorptive nature. In addition, due to the propensity of Bentonite Clay to attract heavy metals, always ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable brand which is Food Grade tested and approved.

Understanding Bentonite Clay a Little Deeper

If you’re still wondering what bentonite clay is used for beyond the basics, it helps to understand why it has earned such a loyal following in natural wellness circles. As we already mentioned, many people love it for its deeply cleansing qualities on the skin and body, but others also appreciate its ability to support detox-style rituals at home.

From clarifying face masks and revitalising body treatments, through to bath soaks designed to help you unwind, Bentonite has become a staple in many natural beauty routines simply because it works hard while staying wonderfully gentle.

Of course, choosing the right type of clay matters. The conversation around sodium bentonite vs calcium bentonite is an important one, particularly if you’re looking for something powerful enough to truly cleanse.

Sodium Bentonite tends to be the preferred option for beauty and wellness applications thanks to its unique swelling ability and strong adsorptive properties. In comparison, Calcium Bentonite is non-swelling and is generally less effective in these kinds of uses, which is why it is not as commonly chosen for skincare and detox purposes.

The takeaway? Quality, sourcing and safety really do make a difference

With Bentonite increasing in popularity, it’s worth being mindful that not all clays are created equal. Purity, origin, and food-grade testing play a big role in ensuring you’re getting a safe and genuinely effective product. Because Bentonite has such a strong attraction to impurities, heavy metals and pollutants, choosing a reputable brand is essential… especially if you’re considering internal use.

At The Salt Box, we proudly source high-quality Australian Bentonite Clay and ensure it meets strict standards, so you can use it with confidence whether you’re mixing a luxurious face mask, enjoying a soothing detox bath, or exploring gentle cleansing from the inside out. If you’re ready to add this natural powerhouse to your wellness routine, our carefully curated range makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of Bentonite in a way that feels simple, safe and natural.