Clay masks have quickly become a staple in our beauty routine. We use them to shrink unsightly pimples overnight, give ourselves a quick self-care moment, and we’ll even gift them to our besties. But there’s one type of clay in particular that keeps popping up in our favorite beauty products—and we’re not just talking about face masks. Bentonite clay (also known as Montmorillonite clay) is a type of volcanic ash known for its ultra-cleansing and oil-balancing properties. Here are seven ways to try the trend.
Bentonite Clay Is the New Cure-All—Here Are 7 Ways to Use It
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Published Apr 12, 2018
Ulta
Super Acids X-treme After-party Scrub
Thanks to its fine texture, bentonite clay makes an excellent non-abrasive exfoliant. Find it in this micro polish where it will gently buff away dry, flaky skin, while vitamin E and shea butter soften and moisturize. The result? A brighter, smoother complexion.
Rodial ($56)
Nordstrom
Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-gel Toner
Formulated for oily or acne-prone skin, this cleanser is basically magic—it starts out as gel and then melts into liquid as it is massaged into skin. Use in the morning to remove excess oil and tighten skin, giving you a shine-free complexion that’s perfectly primed for your foundation. (See? We told you it was magic.)
Sunday Riley ($55)
Dermstore
Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque
Bentonite clay acts like a magnet, pulling out impurities and bacteria from the skin while helping balance sebum levels. Leave this blackhead-busting mask on for 15 minutes to unclog pores, slough away dead skin cells and reduce shine without stripping away moisture.
SkinCeuticals ($52)
Nordstrom
Sara Happ Sweet Clay Lip Mask
You’re used to slathering nourishing ingredients on your face but don’t neglect your pout. This bright pink blend uses our new favorite clay to soothe dry lips and Himalayan swertiamarin to firm up your pout. (It also makes for a super-pretty selfie while you’re waiting for it to work.)
Sara Happ ($32)
Amazon
No Funk Pit Stick Natural Vegan Deodorant
Have you caught on to the non-toxic deodorant trend yet? Free from aluminum, preservatives and parabens, this mineral clay and plant powder promises to keep you smelling super fresh—even after your morning ashtanga yoga class.
No Funk Pit Stick ($12)
Nordstrom
Kiehl’s ‘rare Earth' Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Here’s the thing about pores—you can’t actually change their size (sorry), but they do appear larger if they’re clogged. Keep them congestion-free by using this brightening mask once or twice a week to gently extract debris and dead skin cell accumulation.
Kiehls ($33)
Amazon
Bentonite Clay Powder
Looking to calm down skin irritations like poison ivy, bug bites and eczema? Mineral-rich bentonite draws out bacteria and also acts as a topical antibiotic to soothe inflammation and speed up healing. Add a scoop of the powder to your Sunday night bath and soak for 20 minutes. Ahh, so relaxing.
Rise ‘N Shine ($10)
