Bentonite Clay

A heavy, fine grey clay (Calcium Bentonite).

A fine grey powder with light and dark flecks.

Smooth and dusty.

Dusty and rather unremarkable.

~9

Insoluble

It’s a very absorbent clay, making it popular in clarifying-type formulations.

Some people love bentonite, and some people don’t. Personally, I prefer kaolin and French green clay and could live without bentonite.

It’s a very absorbent clay that creates a sort of gel when mixed with water, which is unique in the world of cosmetic clays.

It has a high pH, and its strong absorbency means it can be too strong for drier skin/hair types.

Because bentonite clay is very unique, it’s not a good substitute for other clays, and other clays are not a good substitute for it.

If a formulation calls for bentonite, don’t replace it with another clay unless you are ok with re-developing the formulation.

If a formulation calls for a clay that isn’t bentonite, do not use bentonite instead unless you are ok with re-developing the formulation.

Bentonite clay can be hot or cold processed. If the formulation includes other powders, stir them all together thoroughly before incorporating liquid.

It’s a good idea to include something acidic in formulations that use bentonite clay to help counter its high pH.

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, bentonite clay should last indefinitely.

Check out this experiment to learn about how absorbent and unique 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.

100g (3.3oz)

 Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier.