Volcanic clay (bentonite)

Bentonite clay is a natural clay composed of volcanic ash that has been used for centuries as a medicinal and cosmetic ingredient. It is commonly used in skin and hair care products, as it can absorb excess oil, remove impurities, and soothe the skin.

You can find it on the ingredient list of skin and hair care products, usually towards the bottom of the list, as it is typically used in small amounts.

Some common uses of bentonite clay in skin and hair care products include:

Face masks: Bentonite clay is often used as a key ingredient in face masks due to its ability to absorb excess oil, remove impurities, and unclog pores.

Shampoo and conditioner: Bentonite clay can be added to shampoos and conditioners to help remove buildup and impurities from the hair and scalp.

Body scrubs: Bentonite clay can be combined with other natural ingredients to create a gentle body scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Soothing baths: Bentonite clay can be added to bath water to create a soothing and detoxifying bath that can help relieve irritated skin and ease sore muscles.

Overall, bentonite clay is a versatile and effective natural ingredient that can offer numerous benefits for skin and hair.

The recommended percentage of bentonite clay in skin and hair care products varies depending on the product and its intended use. In general, the percentage of bentonite clay used in a product will be relatively low, as it is a very absorbent and potent ingredient that can dry out if used in high concentrations.

For face masks, the typical percentage of bentonite clay is between 5–10% of the total formula. This allows a sufficiently high concentration to deliver the desired benefits without being too harsh on the skin.

In hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, the percentage of bentonite clay may be lower, typically between 1–5% of the total formula. This is because the primary function of these products is to cleanse and condition the hair, rather than deep cleansing and detoxifying.

It is important to note that the recommended percentage of bentonite clay can vary depending on the specific product and intended use, so when using this ingredient it is always best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines or consult a professional formulator. In addition, some individuals may be more sensitive to bentonite clay than others, so it is always a good idea to patch-test any new product containing this ingredient before applying it to the entire face or body.