Hello my soapy friends!
I hope that everyone has had a fabulous weekend thus far. Today I get to write about and GIVE AWAY one of my most favorite materials made by Mother Nature, Bentonite clay!
Bentonite clay ranges in color but is usually a light gray or cream with maybe a subtle hit of green in it. It is a product of volcanic ash and was named for the U.S. town with the largest known deposit of it, Fort Benton, WY. It is also called Montmorillonite for the region in France it is found. Typically, you will see it labeled as Bentonite so don’t fret about having to remember both names!
Bentonite might not be as pretty color wise as my other clays but it certainly packs a punch. I like to call it a “super toxin sponge”. On a daily basis we inadvertently (sometimes purposely) expose ourselves internally and externally to toxins like fluoride, makeup, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and countless other bad guys. It happens to all of us; no matter how diligent you are, toxins are practically unavoidable so don’t feel bad. The best we can do is come out with a strong offense and an even more badass defense. I believe, in order to look and feel our best, we need to issue those toxins eviction notices and rid them from our bodies.
One weapon we can add to our arsenal is Bentonite clay. It has the super power, I mean ability, to draw various toxins from the body. Bentonite has a very strong negative charge. When hydrated, it expands, becomes electrically charged and porous (thus my sponge reference). The strong electrical charge will therefore attract and bind to toxins most of which are positively charged. Another check mark in the pro column is the fact that Bentonite has a high mineral content.
For centuries, Bentonite has been applied externally and also ingested for detox and cleansing purposes. In my personal experience, I have only used Bentonite externally. I use it in my soaps, as a facemask (see below for instructions), and as a detox bath. Once I venture into making my own toothpaste it will be an ingredient in that. Currently, I am doing a lot of research on the positives of Bentonite and veering towards taking it internally. I mainly use spirulina as a detox but I think that Bentonite might compliment and expand upon spirulina’s benefits. My clients have had great success while using my bentonite bars and the clay itself in treating eczema, acne, and other skin aliments like bug bites. Some mommas even use it in place of baby powder and have effectively rid their kiddos of red and irritated bottoms.
Please remember that this is just a small glimpse into the wondrous world of Bentonite clay. I could write pages on all that I have discovered but then I wouldn’t have nearly as much time to do soapy stuff ;-)
Right now, the only bar that I have with Bentonite in it is “Rise and Shine” but I have others on the books for the coming weeks.
I would love to hear your experiences with Bentonite clay, especially if you take it internally! My sister-in-law found a Bentonite clay and activated charcoal lemonade at a Farmer’s Market in her town that I am eager to try/replicate!
If you would like to give Bentonite a try, enter here for a chance to win some for yourself! I will contact the winner when the contest is over for a shipping address. If you want to try the mask, the directions are below.
Until next time, keep on keeping on and HAPPY BATHING!
XOXO,
Becca
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P.S. Here is how I use Bentonite clay as a facemask!
Measure out approximately 1 tablespoon of clay into a non-metal container (the claycan react with the metal and lose efficacy).
Mix approximately 1 tablespoon of water with the clay to make a paste like consistency.
Apply to face and let dry. It usually takes me about 15 minutes so only do the mask if you aren’t in a rush. Then, rinse off the clay and wash as usual. 
Personally, I apply masks once a week just before I am about to shower.