Bentonite Clay (Hydrous Silicate of Alumina)
Bentonite clay powder is a naturally occurring byproduct of volcanic ash exposed to wind and water. It is a highly mineralized clay with a 2:1 expanding crystal lattice and very plastic properties.
It is added to natural body powders, usually in combination with corn starch or orris root powder. Moistened with a small amount of water, bentonite clay makes an excellent facial mask to draw out impurities from the skin.
Origin: United States
Active Compounds: Ferrous iron and ferric iron, trace minerals
Ingredients: Silicon Dioxide (58-64%), Calcium Oxide (.65%), Aluminum Oxide (19-22%), Magnesium Oxide (2.5 - 3.2%), Ferric Oxide (2.8 - 3.5%), Ferrous Oxide (0.2 - 0.4%), Sodium Oxide (1.5 - 2.7%), Titanium Oxide (0.1 - 0.2%)
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container away from moisture and heat.
Appearance And Aroma: Fine odorless powder.
Cosmetic Uses: Use to make facial masks and body powders and to thicken homemade lotions, creams and other cosmetics.
Household Uses: The clay is used as a gelling agent in paper making.
Flavor Profile: NOT for culinary use.
The scientific name for bentonite clay is hydrous silicate of alumina, which refers to its colloidal properties, or the ability to absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. In fact, because this material readily expands to many times its original mass, it is used in the oil and gas industry at drilling sites. Bentonite clay is also used as an environmental sealant for freshwater ponds and wells and in construction to create water-proof barriers around foundation walls.
Bentonite clay is also used in metal casting, poultry feed and in the manufacture of clumping cat litter. The versatility of this material earned a reputation as “the mineral with a thousand uses.” Originally known as “mineral soap,” bentonite received its modern common name in the late 19th century when an abundant reserve was found in the Benton Shale deposit near Rock River, Wyoming.
Background: The remarkable natural qualities of clays have long been appreciated worldwide and are used by humans and animals worldwide, every day.
The montmorillonite clay Bentonite is a medicinal form of earth used for centuries for nutritional supplementation and detoxification. This highly purified bentonite is used extensively personal care products and cosmetics. It is water-washed to remove impurities and lower any grit content.
It meets the standards of the National Formulary for use in pharmaceutical preparations such as, acne lotions, medicinal skin creams, ointments, skin creams, salves, tablet binding, powder preparations, and much more.
It is used in cosmetic preparations as a pigment binder and suspending agent. It is effective as a thickener in lotions, creams, liquid facial cleansers, anti-dandruff shampoos, body powders, deodorant sprays, deodorant sticks, and many others.
Bentonite is used for sealing freshwater ponds, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, sewage and industrial water lagoons, and in grouting permeable ground. It is an ingredient in detergents, fungicides, sprays, cleansers, polishes, ceramic, paper, cosmetics and applications requiring suspension and gellant properties.