According to the National Library of Medicine, there are over 2,500 scientific articles published in PubMed on the effects of bentonite clay on bodily functions. Since olden times, humans have used clays, both internally and externally, to maintain overall health. While there are few scientific articles reviewing the beneficial effects of clays on the body, bentonite clay is an available exception. 

What Is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is one of the most powerful and effective clays for detoxification. It is composed primarily of montmorillonite, giving bentonite clay its remarkable molecular structure. Once you hydrate bentonite clay, it generates a strong electromagnetic charge. That allows the clay to attract and hold onto toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities. Similar to distilled water, bentonite clay has a pulling effect, drawing impurities with it as it passes through the body.

In a face mask, bentonite clay acts as a deep pore treatment, drawing out blackheads and absorbing excess sebum. Both of those actions help to calm inflammation associated with acne. After a bentonite clay mask, the skin feels tighter, cleaner, and purified. 

Bentonite clay may help improve many aspects of your health, from clearing up the skin to improving digestion and liver function. Continue reading to learn how bentonite clay benefits various aspects of your health. 

For The Skin

• Oil absorption: The clay’s absorbent powers help draw out excess oil, helping to reduce shine and make pores appear smaller. 
• Exfoliation: Bentonite clay helps to gently exfoliate the skin, promoting skin cell turnover, improving skin texture, and promoting a healthy glow.
• Detoxification: By absorbing oil and drawing debris from the skin, bentonite clay temporarily reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin texture. 
• Antibacterial: Bentonite clay’s antibacterial properties may be effective for combating acne and preventing certain skin infections. More research is necessary regarding this point, though. 
• Calming and healing: Bentonite clay may soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of rashes. It may also provide relief as an insecticide or ingredient in insect repellent. 

For Digestion

• Digestive relief: According to limited studies, bentonite clay may help relieve diarrhea and other minor digestive disorders. That makes bentonite clay a popular ingredient in colon cleaning products. In fact, that is why bentonite clay is in the Dherbs 10-day Colon Cleanse. A study from 2024 found that bentonite clay may help absorb and kill multidrug-resistant E. coli, due to the antibacterial properties. 
• Improved gut health: Bentonite clay’s ability to bind with and remove toxins may promote a more balanced, healthier gut environment. 
• Toxin removal: Bentonite clay binds to toxins in the digestive tract, which may potentially help the body eliminate them. Animal studies suggest that consuming bentonite clay may help detoxify the kidneys and liver, but it’s worth noting that human studies are lacking.

Other Benefits

• Weight loss: Preliminary animal studies suggest that bentonite clay can improve gut microbiota, and separate human data links gut microbiota to supporting weight loss. At this time, there is no direct evidence supporting that bentonite clay causes weight loss.
• Hair care: Bentonite clay is traditionally used to cleanse the scalp and remove buildup in Iran. By encouraging optimal scalp health, bentonite clay may promote hair growth, but there is no direct evidence that supports that claim. 
• Cancer: In laboratory studies, bentonite clay exhibited effects on cancer cells, but no evidence shows that it prevents or treats cancer in humans. For this reason, more research is needed. 
• Dental care: Bentonite clay, similar to activated charcoal, can serve as a natural tooth cleaner and whitener. 

How To Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is either available in liquid or powder form. You can apply it topically on the skin or consume it by mouth. To use bentonite clay on the skin: 

• Mix the bentonite clay powder with water to form a paste. Make sure not to use a metal bowl or utensil for mixing, or else it will neutralize the clay’s negative charge, making it ineffective for attracting positively charged toxins. 
• Apply the bentonite clay paste to clean, dry skin. Do not apply the clay to sensitive areas, such as the eyes or genitals. 
• Leave the clay on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Pat the skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out. 

When consumed orally, bentonite clay draws water into the intestines. That action may help relieve digestive problems, such as bloating or diarrhea. To ingest bentonite clay:

• Mix a half or full teaspoon of food-grade bentonite powder in a glass of filtered water. Stir well to combine. 
• Drink the full glass of bentonite water on an empty stomach. Follow that up with another glass of filtered water. 
• And remember that bentonite clay should be taken with lots of water to avoid intestinal obstruction or constipation.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.