Kaolin vs Fuller’s Earth vs Bentonite: Uncovering the Benefits of Three Types of Clays?

Have you ever wondered about all the different clays available these days? From Bentonite and kaolin to our good old favorite, Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth), all of them seem to be totally trending right now. What exactly is the unique benefits of kaolin vs Fuller’s earth vs bentonite and with so many options, how the heck do you know which clay is right for your skin type? And how can we use them properly to get the most out of these beauty wonders?

Kaolin vs Fuller’s Earth vs Bentonite Clay

Let’s find out about these popular clays and discover which one is perfect for you!

Bentonite Clay

This is the one that is becoming way too popular these days, and every other YouTuber/influencer is just slathering it on their face. Surprisingly, with a couple of new and strange brands coming in to claim that their clay is the best. But before I tell you how bentonite clay is beneficial for your skin, let’s get to know what it is.

Bentonite clay is essentially an aluminum phyllosilicate that contains mostly the mineral montmorillonite. This aluminum phyllosilicate was formed when volcanic ash aged. In short, it is basically volcanic ash. Yeah, it creeped the hell out of me when I first heard it too.

Bentonite got its name from its discovery in 1898 near WC Knight Fort Bentonite in the Wyoming-Montana region of the United States. Despite being named after Fort Benton, Wyoming, it can still be found in places all over the world.

In South Asia, another type of bentonite called Calcium Bentonite has been used for ages, and it is also consumed as an edible clay. In Pakistan, huge mountains of bentonite clay can be found near Takht-e-Sulaiman (Sulaiman Mountain Range), near the border of Khyber Pakhtoonkha & Balochistan, DG Khan, and Khewra, which is home to the world’s second largest salt mine.

The edible bentonite clay is different from the clay used on the face. In the local language, it is called “Gachi,” and many women are very fond of eating it due to its crunchiness and earthy flavor.

Bentonite Clay benefits for skin

Bentonite clay is the best clay for acne-prone and blemished skin, as it works like a sponge to absorb dirt and sebum, which clogs pores and leads to acne. 

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of bentonite clay help the skin to heal, which is why many anti-acne products contain bentonite. A very famous clay called Indian Aztec clay is actually a bentonite clay powder.

Many people recommend using bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar, but it should never be used with concentrated vinegar as it can harm your skin. Apple cider vinegar has a pH level higher than the pH level of our stomach, and our stomach is designed to handle the acid, not our face.

Additionally, bentonite clay has warm properties, and it feels hot when applied to the skin, which can cause temporary redness on the face. After all, it is volcanic ash, so be careful when using this clay.

Overall, Bentonite Clay can be used to protect the skin against certain harmful viral infections and bacterial growth. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make this special grade of clay good for protecting your skin.

Bentonite clay for Skin Whitening

Bentonite clay is also famous for its skin-lightening properties (especially if used correctly) due to the abundance of rich minerals in it.

Bentonite Clay for eating: 

 I recently learned about edible bentonite clay as well. It happened when I went to buy fuller’s earth from the local bazaar. Someone asked the shopkeeper to give them “Gachi,” a term I had never heard before. It was a clay similar to fuller’s earth, so I asked the shopkeeper about it. He explained to me that it was edible clay.

 Later, when I googled it, I was surprised to find out that it was calcium bentonite, and it really was edible bentonite. The practice of eating it is widespread in villages, especially among women and young girls, probably because they crave the metallic taste due to iron deficiency.

However, it is also used to treat stomach gas and ease diarrhea, as well as to remove toxins from the body if consumed correctly. Bentonite clay is considered a probiotic as it contains a negative electromagnetic charge which, when it reacts with water in our body, pulls out toxins and bad bacteria. A good way to start using it is to use it as a mouthwash, but remember to only use food-grade bentonite clay.

As with all good things, precautions should be taken when eating edible bentonite clay as it may cause a blockage in your intestines and affect how you absorb nutrients and electrolytes. Moreover, clay or soil can contain high levels of harmful germs and heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury.

Kaolin Clay

 Kaolin clay, also known as china clay, is another clay that has garnered immense popularity recently. Ironically, it has been used in the world for centuries, especially in many skin care products.

Kaolin clay was first discovered in ancient China, and people used it to make things like porcelain dishes, ceramic cups, and cosmetics, in addition to skincare. They also found that kaolin clay helped make paper smoother and prevent ink from bleeding through the paper.

Kaolin clay is actually millions of years old, and it was formed when large rocks containing feldspar mineral broke down. Feldspar is a type of mineral that is commonly found in rocks, such as granite and other igneous rocks. The feldspar then broke down into tiny pieces, known as kaolinite. These kaolinite pieces were carried by water and deposited in shallow places like rivers and lakes. Over time, the kaolinite pieces settled and formed massive deposits of kaolin clay that can be hundreds of feet thick and tall.

The story of Kaolin clay reminds me of my favorite movie “Stardust.” Feldspar rock breaks down into Kaolin, and clay is made out of it.

It is important to note that the quality and properties of kaolin clay can vary depending on the location and conditions in which it was formed. 

Kaolin Clay benefits for skin

Kaolin clay has been used in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, for its range of health benefits. It is believed to have the ability to detoxify the body, soothe skin irritations, and support digestive health. However, the effectiveness of these claims has not been fully proven and more research is needed.

Kaolin clay is the only clay that is suitable for dry skin as it doesn’t over-dry the skin. You can mix it with some aloe vera gel or honey (always patch test) to attain smooth, silky skin without impurities. Due to its low pH, it is very gentle and is used to tighten the skin. It is great as an anti-aging clay.

Like other clays, kaolin clay is great for people with oily and blemish-prone skin. It is valued for its ability to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, making it a popular ingredient in face masks and other skincare products. I have been using a face mask that contains both kaolin and bentonite, and I swear I have never been happier. It reduces my pimples in just a day along with the painful redness, making me wonder if I have been living under a rock all these years.

Kaolin Clay in Pakistan

Interestingly, Kaolin clay is found in different parts of Pakistan such as Karak, Swat, Mansehra, and the mighty Sulaiman Range (Takht-e-Sulaiman or Koh-e-Sulaiman). However, unlike other countries, kaolin clay is not widely used and developed in Pakistan.

The primary use of kaolin clay in Pakistan is in the ceramics industry where it is used as a material to make porcelain, tiles, and other clay-based products. Additionally, kaolin clay is used in the paper industry to fill up spaces and provide paper with a glossy surface.

 There is still hope as in recent years, the use of kaolin clay in cosmetics and personal care products has gained growing interest in Pakistan.

Several local brands are selling Pakistani Kaolin Clay at an affordable price, which was unheard of by me at-least until I purchased it. This indicates the potential for the development of the kaolin clay industry in Pakistan, particularly in skincare and cosmetics. Additionally, it can also be used in other applications such as pharmaceuticals and ceramics.