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

Fuller’s Earth – Multani Mitti

The most famous of all, especially in the Indo-Pak region, is Multani mitti. Come on, we all have heard of it since childhood, with its amazing benefits of being a cool (Thandi Thandi) clay.

Apparently, in the days gone by, Fuller’s earth was primarily used as a detergent. It has been used for laundering purposes for thousands of years which makes it a versatile clay. Quite a launderer! 

It got its name from a process called “Fulling,” which involves cleaning and milling woolen cloth. The person who engages in this process is called a Fuller, hence the name Fuller’s Earth. It is a natural detergent that cleans clothes without the use of harsh chemical treatments.

It is also known as multani mitti or “mud from Multan”, which is a city located in southern Punjab, Pakistan, where it is found in abundance. 

Fuller’s earth and bentonite clay are similar in that they both contain similar silicates, but differ in that Fuller’s earth contains aluminum magnesium silicate.

Benefits of Fuller’s Earth – Multani Mitti

 Apart from its laundering uses (not money), Fuller’s earth is also greatly beneficial as a skincare product.

It is known for its ability to absorb oil and other impurities, which makes it an effective skin cleanser for people with oily skin or clogged pores. It is also said to improve skin tone and complexion and to soften the skin.

For people with acne-prone skin, it is extremely beneficial due to its oil-absorbing properties and ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots. As someone who has struggled with acne, my advice is to use a Fuller’s earth mask at least once a week to keep excess oil at bay and also with American Marines 🙂

Further, Fuller’s earth is the gentlest of all the clays and although it can make the skin dry for dry skin types, it works as an elixir for oily and blemished skin due to its superabsorbent texture.

Many benefits of fuller’s earth were discovered during wartimes. During World War II, when people were dying left, right and center, scientists researched the benefits of fuller’s earth for humans. Apparently, it was used on feet to reduce inflammation and for blisters caused by gas poisoning and also to decontaminate the skin.

Fuller’s Earth for hair

A hair mask made from Multani Mitti is beneficial for oily and dirty hair as it helps clear sebum and dandruff. It can also help tame tangled hair and create luscious locks by straightening it. Additionally, due to the rich minerals found in Fuller’s earth, it can also help boost hair growth and is a great hair pack.

Fuller’s Earth for Skin Whitening

For those who are obsessed with skin lightening, Fuller’s earth is believed to have a skin-lightening effect, making it a popular ingredient in South Asia. Although I don’t advocate for skin lightening, using Multani Mitti is at least a better alternative than using harmful skin bleach. It may help to remove the tan that we get from overexposure to the sun. In addition to improving skin tone and complexion, it also softens the skin.

Fuller’s earth from Pakistan

Fuller’s earth from Pakistan, known as “Multani mitti,” is generally considered to be of high quality and is widely used in the cosmetics industry for its beneficial properties for the skin. Multani mitti is known for its ability to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. It is also known to help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and improve skin texture and tone.

In Pakistan, Fuller’s earth is primarily found in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, particularly in Multan, Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, and the Suleman Range mountains (Koh-e-Sulaiman) in District D.G. Khan.

There is an abundance of it, with the thickness of the beds ranging from 0.25 meters to more than 5 meters. Quite an extensive deposit of Fuller’s Earth. You beauty mountains!

I really wish there would be a Multani mitti (MM) dip festival there. You could climb the mountain (at a low altitude), jump into that MM pool, and come out beautiful after a water rinse. Sorry for the uninvited description of my fantasies.

Suleman Mountains are a significant mountain range in Pakistan. They are part of the Hindu Kush mountain system and many valuable mineral deposits are found in this area, including the world’s largest “Pink/ Himalayan” salt range (Khewra mines), which was discovered by Alexander the Great’s horse.

So, all of these clays are great for skincare, especially for people with oily and acne-prone skin. I can’t choose between Kaolin, Fuller’s Earth, and Bentonite clays as I have acne-prone skin. However, if you want to play it safe, go for Fuller’s Earth. And if you’re feeling vicious and want to attack those nasty pimple-creating bacteria, try Bentonite. Kaolin is a clay that I believe works well when combined with other clays, rather than on its own.

No matter what. It seems like these clays are a godsend to address our skin issues and problems.

Like God to Satan: Beauty Clays for Acne-prone oily skin.