Bentonite Clay

What is it?	A heavy, fine grey clay (Calcium Bentonite).
Appearance	A fine grey powder with light and dark flecks.
Texture	Smooth and dusty.
Scent	Dusty and rather unremarkable.
pH	~9
Solubility	Insoluble
Why do we use it in formulations?	It’s a strong clay that’s amazing at cleaning out pores.
Do you need it?	Bentonite is pretty weird—some people love it and some people don’t. I could live without it.
Strengths	It’s a very strong clay with a really unique texture when it gets wet—it gets all jelloid and is way more absorbent than other clays.
Weaknesses	It has a high pH that can irritate more sensitive skin.
Alternatives & Substitutions	It’s really unique and weird; it’s not a good substitute for other clays, and other clays are not a good substitute for it.
How to Work with It	I mostly use it for face masks.
Storage & Shelf Life	Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry,
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks	Check out this experiment to learn about how absorbent and weird it is! You’ll commonly read that bentonite clay should never, ever come into contact with metal because it carries a charge. This is not true.
Recommended starter amount	100g (3.3oz)
Where to Buy it	Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.