Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay (Sodium Bentonite, Cosmetic Clay Powder)
Our Bentonite Clay is a fine sodium bentonite, a montmorillonite clay formed from ancient volcanic ash deposits in Australia and milled to a silky 45 micron powder. It is processed with water only, which keeps grit and impurities low. When mixed with water it swells into a smooth, sticky paste.
That swelling is what makes bentonite so useful. It makes creamy face masks and body wraps, it can add slip and body to soaps, and cosmetic makers use it to thicken and suspend ingredients in lotions, cleansers, body powders and deodorant blends. It also works well in bath blends and bath bombs.
|
Sodium bentonite Montmorillonite clay |
Silky 45 micron powder Low grit, smooth mix |
Swells in water Masks, thickening, bath blends |
100 g to 2 kg Five pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Keep out of reach of children, keep away from the eyes, patch test before first use and avoid breathing in the dust. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Bentonite Clay (Sodium Bentonite) |
| INCI (typical) | Bentonite |
| Type | Sodium bentonite (montmorillonite clay), cosmetic clay powder |
| Appearance | Fine powder. Cream to light tan, colour varies by batch |
| Origin | Australia |
| Particle size | Milled to about 45 microns |
| Minerals | Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, potassium (typical) |
| Behaviour in water | Swells to a smooth, thick paste when hydrated |
| Vegan | Yes (mineral) |
| Suitable for | Face masks, body wraps, bath blends, cold process and melt and pour soap, bath bombs, body powders, deodorant blends, scrubs |
| Usage | About 5-10% in soap bases. Test your own recipe |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Do not use on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg |
| Storage | Sealed, cool and dry, away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid metal containers |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker's responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Face masks | Mix 1-2 teaspoons with water, a hydrosol or a little carrier oil into a smooth paste |
| Soap | Blend into the soap base at about 5-10%, mixed to a paste first |
| Bath blends | Sprinkle into warm water or pre-mix into a thick liquid first |
| Thickening and suspending | Used by cosmetic makers to thicken and hold ingredients in suspension in lotions, cleansers and liquid products |
| Body powders and deodorant blends | Mix dry with other powders as an absorbent base |
| Scrubs and body wraps | Mix to a paste and use on its own or with salts and sugars |
How to Make a Simple Bentonite Face Mask
- Start clean. Wash and dry your face and tie your hair back. Protect your clothing, as clay can stain.
- Mix the clay. In a glass, ceramic or plastic bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol until you have a smooth paste. A few drops of a carrier oil such as apricot kernel oil will make it creamier. Use a wooden or plastic spoon rather than metal.
- Patch test. Try a little on the inside of your arm first and wait to see how your skin reacts.
- Apply. Spread a thin, even layer over clean skin, avoiding the eyes, lips and any broken or irritated skin.
- Leave it on. Leave for about 5-10 minutes. Rinse off while the mask is still slightly damp rather than letting it dry hard and crack.
- Rinse and moisturise. Rinse with warm water or a warm damp cloth, pat dry and follow with your usual moisturiser. Start with once a week and see how your skin feels.
Tip: Sprinkle bentonite onto the liquid, not the other way round. It hydrates more evenly and avoids lumps.
Using It in Soap, Bath & Scrubs ▼
These are common maker starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face mask | 1 tbsp clay + 1-2 tbsp water or hydrosol | Add a few drops of carrier oil for a creamier mask. Rinse before it dries completely. |
| Body wrap or paste | 2-3 tbsp clay + water to a spreadable paste | Apply to the body and rinse off after about 10 minutes. |
| Bath | 1/4-1/2 cup per bath | Sprinkle in while the bath runs, or pre-mix into a paste. Use a mesh bag or rinse the tub well afterwards. |
| Cold process soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of soap oils | Stir into a little oil first, then add at light trace. Bentonite is often used for slip and body rather than strong colour. |
| Melt and pour soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of base | Mix to a paste with a little vegetable glycerine first, then stir into the melted base. Too much can make a soap feel dry or dull. |
| Bath bombs | About 1 tbsp per 500 g of dry mix | Mix through the dry ingredients until the colour is even. Can stain tubs lightly. |
| Scrubs | 1-2 tbsp per cup of sugar or salt scrub base | Mix into the base with your chosen oil. |
| Thickening a cleanser or lotion | Start at about 1-3% | Hydrate in the water phase first, then add the other ingredients. Test for the texture you want. |
See the cosmetic making supplies collection for oils, butters and bases to formulate with.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Clumps when mixing | Liquid poured onto dry clay | Sprinkle the clay onto the liquid instead and let it sit for a minute before stirring. |
| Mask dries hard and feels tight | Left on too long, or too little liquid | Rinse while still slightly damp, use a little more water or a few drops of carrier oil, and moisturise afterwards. |
| Skin looks red or feels sore | Sensitivity to clay or an added ingredient | Rinse with cool water. Patch test before use, keep the first sessions short, and stop if irritation continues. |
| Colour changes in soap | Clays can shift in colour in lye or with heat | Test a small batch. Mixing the clay with a little oil or glycerine first helps it blend evenly. |
| Specks or streaks in soap | Clay not fully mixed in | Mix to a smooth paste before adding, then stick-blend or stir well. |
| Mix spoils or smells off | Water-based mixes can grow mould | Mix fresh and use straight away, and discard leftovers. Add a suitable preservative to anything you plan to keep. |
| Blocked drain | Clay settling in pipes | Wipe off with a cloth where you can, use a strainer, and run plenty of water after a bath. |
| Mix is stringy or very thick | Bentonite swells a lot | Use more liquid or less clay. Hydrate it for a few minutes first. |
Safety & Selling Your Products ▼
This product is a cosmetic raw material for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children, keep it away from the eyes and do not use it on broken or irritated skin. Fine powders can irritate the airways, so wear a dust mask when weighing or pouring and avoid creating dust clouds. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs.
Mix clays in glass, ceramic, plastic or wooden bowls and tools, and avoid metal. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not rinse large amounts of mask, bath or scrub down the sink, as clay can settle and block drains. Wipe it off with a cloth and put it in the bin, or use a strainer.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is the difference between bentonite and kaolin?
Bentonite is a swelling montmorillonite clay that makes thick, sticky pastes. Kaolin is a gentler white clay that does not swell. See our kaolin clay for comparison.
Why shouldn't I use metal with bentonite?
Metal bowls and spoons are best avoided with clays. Use glass, ceramic, plastic or wood instead.
Will it block my drain?
It can if a lot is rinsed away. Use a mesh bag for baths and wipe masks off with a cloth where possible.
How much do I use in soap?
About 5-10% of the base for slip and body. Mix to a paste first and test a small batch.
Is it organic?
We describe it simply as a bentonite clay. The only processing is water washing, drying and milling.
Can I eat it or use it internally?
No. It is sold for external cosmetic use only.
How long does it keep?
Bentonite is a stable mineral. Keep it sealed and dry and it should stay in good condition for a long time.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| 250 g | $10.00 | $4.00 |
| 500 g | $15.40 | $3.08 |
| 1 kg | $25.00 | $2.50 |
| 2 kg | $42.00 | $2.10 |
Pairs Well With
Pair with kaolin clay or French green clay, and use a hydrosol such as lavender hydrosol for a face mask. For bath blends add Epsom salts or Dead Sea salt. Mix with sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for a creamy mask, or use in soap with a white SLS-free melt and pour base. Browse all clays and cosmetic powders. |
 Product Documents
|
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Bentonite Clay (Sodium Bentonite, Cosmetic Clay Powder)
Our Bentonite Clay is a fine sodium bentonite, a montmorillonite clay formed from ancient volcanic ash deposits in Australia and milled to a silky 45 micron powder. It is processed with water only, which keeps grit and impurities low. When mixed with water it swells into a smooth, sticky paste.
That swelling is what makes bentonite so useful. It makes creamy face masks and body wraps, it can add slip and body to soaps, and cosmetic makers use it to thicken and suspend ingredients in lotions, cleansers, body powders and deodorant blends. It also works well in bath blends and bath bombs.
|
Sodium bentonite Montmorillonite clay |
Silky 45 micron powder Low grit, smooth mix |
Swells in water Masks, thickening, bath blends |
100 g to 2 kg Five pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Keep out of reach of children, keep away from the eyes, patch test before first use and avoid breathing in the dust. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Bentonite Clay (Sodium Bentonite) |
| INCI (typical) | Bentonite |
| Type | Sodium bentonite (montmorillonite clay), cosmetic clay powder |
| Appearance | Fine powder. Cream to light tan, colour varies by batch |
| Origin | Australia |
| Particle size | Milled to about 45 microns |
| Minerals | Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron, potassium (typical) |
| Behaviour in water | Swells to a smooth, thick paste when hydrated |
| Vegan | Yes (mineral) |
| Suitable for | Face masks, body wraps, bath blends, cold process and melt and pour soap, bath bombs, body powders, deodorant blends, scrubs |
| Usage | About 5-10% in soap bases. Test your own recipe |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Do not use on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg |
| Storage | Sealed, cool and dry, away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid metal containers |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker's responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Face masks | Mix 1-2 teaspoons with water, a hydrosol or a little carrier oil into a smooth paste |
| Soap | Blend into the soap base at about 5-10%, mixed to a paste first |
| Bath blends | Sprinkle into warm water or pre-mix into a thick liquid first |
| Thickening and suspending | Used by cosmetic makers to thicken and hold ingredients in suspension in lotions, cleansers and liquid products |
| Body powders and deodorant blends | Mix dry with other powders as an absorbent base |
| Scrubs and body wraps | Mix to a paste and use on its own or with salts and sugars |
How to Make a Simple Bentonite Face Mask
- Start clean. Wash and dry your face and tie your hair back. Protect your clothing, as clay can stain.
- Mix the clay. In a glass, ceramic or plastic bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol until you have a smooth paste. A few drops of a carrier oil such as apricot kernel oil will make it creamier. Use a wooden or plastic spoon rather than metal.
- Patch test. Try a little on the inside of your arm first and wait to see how your skin reacts.
- Apply. Spread a thin, even layer over clean skin, avoiding the eyes, lips and any broken or irritated skin.
- Leave it on. Leave for about 5-10 minutes. Rinse off while the mask is still slightly damp rather than letting it dry hard and crack.
- Rinse and moisturise. Rinse with warm water or a warm damp cloth, pat dry and follow with your usual moisturiser. Start with once a week and see how your skin feels.
Tip: Sprinkle bentonite onto the liquid, not the other way round. It hydrates more evenly and avoids lumps.
Using It in Soap, Bath & Scrubs ▼
These are common maker starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face mask | 1 tbsp clay + 1-2 tbsp water or hydrosol | Add a few drops of carrier oil for a creamier mask. Rinse before it dries completely. |
| Body wrap or paste | 2-3 tbsp clay + water to a spreadable paste | Apply to the body and rinse off after about 10 minutes. |
| Bath | 1/4-1/2 cup per bath | Sprinkle in while the bath runs, or pre-mix into a paste. Use a mesh bag or rinse the tub well afterwards. |
| Cold process soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of soap oils | Stir into a little oil first, then add at light trace. Bentonite is often used for slip and body rather than strong colour. |
| Melt and pour soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of base | Mix to a paste with a little vegetable glycerine first, then stir into the melted base. Too much can make a soap feel dry or dull. |
| Bath bombs | About 1 tbsp per 500 g of dry mix | Mix through the dry ingredients until the colour is even. Can stain tubs lightly. |
| Scrubs | 1-2 tbsp per cup of sugar or salt scrub base | Mix into the base with your chosen oil. |
| Thickening a cleanser or lotion | Start at about 1-3% | Hydrate in the water phase first, then add the other ingredients. Test for the texture you want. |
See the cosmetic making supplies collection for oils, butters and bases to formulate with.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Clumps when mixing | Liquid poured onto dry clay | Sprinkle the clay onto the liquid instead and let it sit for a minute before stirring. |
| Mask dries hard and feels tight | Left on too long, or too little liquid | Rinse while still slightly damp, use a little more water or a few drops of carrier oil, and moisturise afterwards. |
| Skin looks red or feels sore | Sensitivity to clay or an added ingredient | Rinse with cool water. Patch test before use, keep the first sessions short, and stop if irritation continues. |
| Colour changes in soap | Clays can shift in colour in lye or with heat | Test a small batch. Mixing the clay with a little oil or glycerine first helps it blend evenly. |
| Specks or streaks in soap | Clay not fully mixed in | Mix to a smooth paste before adding, then stick-blend or stir well. |
| Mix spoils or smells off | Water-based mixes can grow mould | Mix fresh and use straight away, and discard leftovers. Add a suitable preservative to anything you plan to keep. |
| Blocked drain | Clay settling in pipes | Wipe off with a cloth where you can, use a strainer, and run plenty of water after a bath. |
| Mix is stringy or very thick | Bentonite swells a lot | Use more liquid or less clay. Hydrate it for a few minutes first. |
Safety & Selling Your Products ▼
This product is a cosmetic raw material for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children, keep it away from the eyes and do not use it on broken or irritated skin. Fine powders can irritate the airways, so wear a dust mask when weighing or pouring and avoid creating dust clouds. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs.
Mix clays in glass, ceramic, plastic or wooden bowls and tools, and avoid metal. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not rinse large amounts of mask, bath or scrub down the sink, as clay can settle and block drains. Wipe it off with a cloth and put it in the bin, or use a strainer.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is the difference between bentonite and kaolin?
Bentonite is a swelling montmorillonite clay that makes thick, sticky pastes. Kaolin is a gentler white clay that does not swell. See our kaolin clay for comparison.
Why shouldn't I use metal with bentonite?
Metal bowls and spoons are best avoided with clays. Use glass, ceramic, plastic or wood instead.
Will it block my drain?
It can if a lot is rinsed away. Use a mesh bag for baths and wipe masks off with a cloth where possible.
How much do I use in soap?
About 5-10% of the base for slip and body. Mix to a paste first and test a small batch.
Is it organic?
We describe it simply as a bentonite clay. The only processing is water washing, drying and milling.
Can I eat it or use it internally?
No. It is sold for external cosmetic use only.
How long does it keep?
Bentonite is a stable mineral. Keep it sealed and dry and it should stay in good condition for a long time.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| 250 g | $10.00 | $4.00 |
| 500 g | $15.40 | $3.08 |
| 1 kg | $25.00 | $2.50 |
| 2 kg | $42.00 | $2.10 |
Pairs Well With
Pair with kaolin clay or French green clay, and use a hydrosol such as lavender hydrosol for a face mask. For bath blends add Epsom salts or Dead Sea salt. Mix with sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for a creamy mask, or use in soap with a white SLS-free melt and pour base. Browse all clays and cosmetic powders. |
|
Product Documents
|
