Benefit #1:  Heals Wounds

See above

Benefit #2:  Sucks Up Toxins

Bentonite is a beast when it comes to handling toxins.

To understand how this works, let’s go over a quick chemistry lesson.

• Bentonite has a negative electrical charge
• Toxins (like bacteria, pollutants, etc.) have a positive electrical charge

We’re not out of the woods quite yet. Let’s look at two more concepts before moving on.

• Adsorption occurs when a molecule clings to the surface of a substance. Like how a magnet sticks to a refrigerator.
• Absorption occurs when a molecule enters the bulk of a substance. Like how a sponge holds onto water.

Now, imagine you slathered-on a healthy layer of bentonite clay.

What happens next follows is pretty similar to the plot of your favorite rom-com—that is, opposites attract.

Negatively-charged bentonite molecules attract positively-charged impurities (through adsorption). When those impurities reach your skin’s surface, bentonite will slurp them up (through absorption).

Benefit #3:  Heals Eczema

If you’ve got eczema, bentonite’s got you covered.

Another study published in 2001 examined 33 adults who had occupational eczema on their hands. After being given a bentonite-ladled lotion, about half of the subjects showed an improvement of at least 50%. Some were even fully-cleared of their eczema altogether.

Sure, it’s not like bentonite outright cured eczema in 100% of the subjects.

But, it might be worth a try.  Especially since the study noted that the subjects didn’t exhibit any negative reactions to the lotion.

Benefit #4: Kicks Acne Breakouts To The Curb

Acne sucks—there’s no two ways about it.

But that doesn’t mean you should wallow in misery forever.

You just have to trial-and-error your way through it.

And bentonite is a great tool that can help you see the light.

Why is that?

Some strains of bentonite have antibacterial properties. Killing bacteria (specifically, Propionibacterium acnes) can stop the formation of certain types of acne.

Plus, it can suck up sebum which is often precursors to acne as noted by this study—mo sebum, mo problems.

Benefit #5: Normalizes Oily Skin

When researchers want to study acne, sometimes they’ll examine sebum (i.e. oily secretions). And when they examine sebum, they’ll often use bentonite clay as a point of extraction.

After collecting sebum via a bentonite solution, one study found that the rate of oil production decreased and, consequently, stabilized for a 24-hour period.

While it’s impossible to change your skin type (curse you, genetics!), you can at least take the bull by its horns when it comes to buildup. Which makes a pretty big difference with continued use.

Related: Oily Skin Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Being A Greaseball

Benefit #6: Prevents Poison Ivy

One study found that applying a bentonite-based lotion before poison ivy exposure either prevented or reduced allergic reactions.

But, wait. There’s more!

There’s anecdotal (i.e. forum-based) reports that suggest bentonite can calm itching too.

Benefit #7: Wards Off Flesh Eating Ulcers Like A Champ

Last but not least, some types of bentonite clay can effectively treat flesh-eating buruli ulcers.

For the record, buruli ulcers are no joke.

If they’re caught early, antibiotics can usually (but not always) cure them. Otherwise, the skin in and around the ulcer has to be surgically removed—ouch.

French researchers found that applying clay—more specifically, CsAg02—to the ulcer unleashed its antibacterial properties, which, in turn, cured the ulcer.

Words of the wise:

If this is you, don’t try to save yourself with bentonite. Go see a doctor…ASAP!

How To Use Bentonite Clay

It’s simple:

1. Mix 2 parts clay to 1 part water or apple cider vinegar.
2. Slap it on your face in thick-ish layer—¼ of an inch will do.
3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove with a washcloth.

Pro tip: Don’t use this mask before an event. There’s a good chance that you’ll turn into a tomato for a little while.

Water or Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Which One Is Better?

Before we get into it, let’s get some facts straight.

• Skin has a slightly acidic pH of 5.5.
• Bentonite clay has a slightly alkaline pH of 9.0.
• Water has a neutral pH of 7.0.
• ACV has a highly acidic pH of ~3.0.

You might have noticed that skin and bentonite are on opposite ends of the pH scale.

Why does that matter?

Well, the outer layer of your skin is protected by something called the acid mantle. Using products that don’t jive with your skin’s natural pH will ultimately weaken its defenses, giving way to things like dehydrated skin and acne.

To preserve your skin’s acid mantle, you need to work with products within its range.

Now, let’s look at the pH of the mixtures:

• Water + bentonite should yield a pH of ~8.0.
• ACV + bentonite, alternatively, should yield a pH of ~6.

You can see here that the ACV mixture reigns supreme when it comes to its pH.

As an added perk, the ACV mixture will be a lot smoother than the water one.

Caveat #1: Don’t rinse it down your sink.

Bentonite isn’t specific to skincare—by any means.

In fact, it’s widely used in commercial products. It’s in everything from kitty litter to cement.

That’s right, cement.

While this won’t pose a threat when applied topically to skin, it might become a huge problem when it goes down your sink.

To avoid any clogs, remove your mask with a washcloth. And then, throw the clumps of bentonite in the trash. Otherwise, you might end up with a plumbing nightmare. Ugh.

Fun fact: geophagy is the practice of eating clay.

Caveat #2: Never mix metal and bentonite.

Mixing (wet) bentonite with a metal spoon isn’t the worst thing you can do.

Contrary to popular belief, it won’t “deactivate” the clay.

But, that still doesn’t mean you should do it.

You see, leaving wet bentonite in a metal bowl (or leaving a metal spoon inside the bentonite mixture) is a sure-fire way to rust your trusty bowl/utensil.

Pro-tip: Stay on the safe side—use plastic or glass.