Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

Medically reviewed by Deeptej Singh, MDMedically reviewed by Deeptej Singh, MD

Bentonite clay, also known as Montmorillonite clay, is a natural, mineral-rich clay that forms a paste when mixed with water. It is commonly used as a skincare treatment, natural hair cleanser, and antibacterial agent.

Bentonites are formed naturally—they're hardened clay rocks formed from volcanic glass. Natural clays have been used for centuries to treat inflammation and gastrointestinal and skin conditions. Bentonite is primarily produced in the United States.

As a skincare ingredient, bentonite clay detoxifies the skin by deeply cleansing pores. It has also been used on the hair to remove excess dirt and oil from the scalp. Some studies have also found bentonite clay to be potentially effective in reducing cancer risk and other chronic health conditions.

Uses and Benefits

Although bentonite clay is usually applied to the top of your skin, the natural mineral bentonite can be ingested to reduce your risk of illness. Little research supports its use as a detoxifying product, but bentonite clay has also commonly been used as a deep hair cleanser.

May Act as an Antibacterial

Studies show that bentonite may have antibacterial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria. Bentonite molecules can trigger an immune response in the body when interacting with bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which cause inflammation. This reduces the likelihood of bacterial and viral infections. However, more human studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of it as an antibacterial agent.

May Prevent and Treat Acne

Studies have shown that bentonite clay absorbs excess oil on the skin without drying it out. Bentonite face masks decrease sebum (oil) production and unclog pores. Clay masks help treat acne breakouts by reducing excess dirt from the surface of your skin.

May Prevent Diarrhea

When taken orally, bentonite clay absorbs toxins from viruses and illnesses that commonly cause diarrhea. The clay binds to mucin (proteins from your gastrointestinal tract) and alters the mucosal barrier to help prevent diarrhea. Bentonite, or montmorillonite, can also improve abdominal pain and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

May Help Treat and Prevent Cancer

Some studies suggest that bentonite clay may also prevent human cancer cell growth in glioblastoma, a fast-growing cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. However, this research is highly controversial. It claims that bentonite clay can also promote the effectiveness of drugs used in cancer therapy. More human studies are needed to verify if bentonite clay truly plays a role in cancer prevention.

May Help Cleanse Hair

In Iran, bentonite clay has been used for generations as an accessible and natural hair cleanser. It is also used as a natural hair mask and deep cleanser for coarse, curly, or coily textures. The same chemicals in bentonite clay that make it an effective face mask also absorb excess dirt and oil sitting on top of your scalp.

More research is needed on its effectiveness as a hair cleanser, particularly fine or straight hair textures, which may be affected differently.

How To Use

Bentonite clay can either be used medicinally or as a topical treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before ingesting bentonite clay.

As a topical treatment, bentonite clay can be rubbed onto the face, neck, body, and hair to reduce excess oil from your skin. Apply bentonite clay masks to your skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and continuing the other steps of your skincare routine. Researchers recommend applying bentonite clay to your skin at least twice a week to improve texture and oil control.

When using bentonite in hair care, apply the clay mask to your hair before shampooing and conditioning. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out and continuing your haircare routine.

Safety and Side Effects

Although bentonite is not considered a carcinogen, raw bentonite may contain some traces of silica, a harmful carcinogenic crystalline compound. Although little research exists on bentonite clay as a topical product, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies bentonite as a generally safe food additive. The FDA has not approved cosmetic products containing bentonite.

Skincare products containing a maximum of 8% bentonite clay are recommended to treat breakouts and oily skin. Before applying a bentonite clay product all over your skin, perform a patch test by applying a small amount to an area on your face or neck. If you notice any itching, redness, or discomfort, stop using the product and consult your dermatologist for next steps.

Medicinal Risks

Many cosmetic and food products contain regulated amounts of bentonite clay. Bentonite clay can be harmful when consumed in excessive amounts. It may also interact with certain drugs. For example, you may experience side effects if you take bentonite with Tegretol (carbamazepine), a drug used to treat seizures.

Liquid bentonite is refined to reduce levels of harmful chemicals like arsenic, lead, and bacteria. Some cosmetic bentonite clay products have been recalled for excess levels of lead and arsenic.

High levels of lead and arsenic can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. Consuming bentonite clay while pregnant can be harmful because of potentially high levels of toxic metals.

A Quick Review

Bentonite clay is a natural clay typically used on the skin to detoxify and reduce excess oil. It can also be used on the hair to deeply cleanse the scalp. In some cases, bentonite clay has also been used to treat diarrhea, some types of cancer, and inflammation. More research is needed to confirm the effects bentonite has on preventing illness and some types of cancer.

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