Centuries ago, ancient cultures of people around the world discovered the multitude of benefits natural clays provide skin and hair. Each type of clay has different properties–exploring the different types of clay and their effects on your hair and skin can be a fun adventure. One such clay is bentonite clay, a staple in Native American culture for good reason–it has a wide range of uses and makes hair and skin absolutely beautiful.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite is one of the most popular cosmetic clays and comes from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments in the United States. Bentonite clay helps bind toxins making them more soluble and easier to remove from hair and skin. Bentonite is also referred to as Montmorillonite and should be gray to cream-colored. If you ever see white Bentonite clay, you might want to ask for a certificate of analysis from your supplier to let you know the composition of the clay you received. Derived from volcanic ash, bentonite clay from Essential Wholesale & Labs is sodium bentonite, silica-based, and is colloidal in nature, meaning the mineral particles in the clay are suspended in liquid without breaking down or dissolving. The clay mines, located in Wyoming and Montana, use best practices to keep out impurities and the bentonite clay is kiln-dried, milled, and screened to size.
Once bentonite clay becomes hydrated, it swells like a sponge, but it also does something else unusual, it produces a strong negative electrical charge. This allows positively charged impurities to quickly bind to the clay and easily rinse away which leaves your body clean while also delivering minerals to your skin and hair.
Cinnamon Tooth Powder
This recipe makes brushing your teeth fun! The baking soda and citric acid create a foaming sensation while the bentonite clay works to get teeth extra clean. The xylitol helps sweeten the cinnamon and helps teeth feel smooth and sparkling. This is just so fun you must try it for yourself!
Equipment You’ll Need
Mixing Bowl
Scale or measuring spoons
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
Approximate yield: 1 Pound
Approximate cost per pound: $0.58
Suggested Packaging: 4oz squeeze bottle with pop up dispenser cap
Suggested retail price: $5 – $8
Ingredients
- 0.3031 LBS ½ Cup 30% Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)
• 0.3031 LBS ½ Cup 30% Citric Acid
• 0.0560 LBS ½ cup 6% Bentonite Clay
• 0.0980 LBS ½ cup 10% Ground Cinnamon
• 0.2399 LBS ¼ cup 24% Xylitol
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Pour into packaging and enjoy!
Bentonite Clay Natural Hair Masque
Bentonite Clay Natural Hair Masque is designed to add shine, softness and beautiful curl definition to natural hair. The bentonite clay is both nourishing and cleansing. Apple cider vinegar and avocado oil add softness and brilliant shine.
1 Cup Bentonite Clay
2 Cups apple cider vinegar
1 Cup tea of your choice (I prefer green tea, but hibiscus tea is good too)
3 Tbsp avocado oil
Directions
- Bentonite clay may react with metal so be sure to use a glass mixing bowl and a wooden spoon to mix your Natural Hair Masque.
- Add all ingredients to your glass bowl.
- Mix with your wooden spoon. Add more tea if you want a thinner mixture.
- Apply masque to hair, cover, and leave on for 5-20 minutes. Do not let masque dry on hair.
- Rinse thoroughly and enjoy your soft, shiny curls!
Bentonite Clay Facial Mask
This is a great, simple mask for oily to combination skin that will leave your skin clean and ready for toner, serum, and moisturizer.
2 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
1 Tsp Jojoba Oil
6-8 Tbsp water or tea
Directions
- Bentonite clay may react with metal so be sure to use a glass mixing bowl and a wooden spoon.
- Add all ingredients to a glass bowl.
- Mix with your wooden spoon. Add more tea or water if you want a thinner mixture.
- Apply masque to face and leave on for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with toner, facial serum, and moisturizer.
Let us know how you like your Hair and Facial Masques and have fun exploring this amazing clay!
