Bentonite Clay: Health Benefits, Risks, and How to Use It

Bentonite clay is a natural supplement traditionally used to detox the liver and treat gastrointestinal problems, like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and bloating.

Once in the body, bentonite is thought to bind to toxins in the digestive tract and inactivate them. Bentonite clay absorbs water easily. When consumed, it can help draw water into the intestines to improve digestion. When applied to the skin, it may also improve acne.

Despite many anecdotal reports of its effectiveness, very few scientific studies have investigated the health benefits of bentonite clay. As such, there are no official recommendations for bentonite uses or dosages.

This article takes a closer look at what bentonite clay is, how it is used, and whether its proposed uses are backed by science. It also covers the potential risks associated with bentonite clay, along with who should not use it.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

How Bentonite Clay Works

Bentonite is a type of highly absorbent clay made from volcanic ash. The name "bentonite" comes from Fort Benton, Wyoming, a town where the largest sources of bentonite clay are found.

Bentonite clay's proposed health benefits are due to its absorbent properties:

• When consumed orally (by mouth), bentonite draws water into the intestines. This action is thought to help relieve such digestive problems as constipation and bloating.
• Bentonite clay has a positive ion charge that attracts negatively charged ions, such as toxins, to bind to it. When consumed orally, this action is thought to detox the kidney and liver.
• When applied topically (to the skin), bentonite clay absorbs sebum , dirt, and toxins from the skin. This action is thought to help keep pores clean and prevent acne. Its application may also diminish the effects of poison oak or poison ivy.
• Bentonite clay may have antibacterial effects due to its ability to absorb and kill bacteria.

Bentonite clay is rich in several minerals, including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals may contribute to its healing properties.

Benefits of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite has been used for the following purposes:

• Kidney detox: In animal studies, bentonite has been shown to absorb excess urea —a waste product made by the liver—in the intestines. Urea is typically filtered by the kidneys. It's thought that bentonite may help the kidneys with this task, although more research is needed.
• Liver detox: Some evidence suggests that consuming bentonite clay orally may detox the liver. Bentonite's positive ion charge causes negatively charged liver toxins and heavy metals like lead and cadmium to bind to it. This effect has clearly been seen in animal studies, but human studies are lacking.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Bentonite clay may improve symptoms of IBS, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. In one study of people with IBS, bentonite supplementation appeared to relieve constipation and improve bowel regularity. For this reason, it is a popular ingredient in colon-cleansing products.
• Contact dermatitis: Bentonite is thought to draw toxins away from the skin, and may prevent or relieve symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis due to poison ivy and poison oak. Some research shows bentonite may be more effective than calendula in relieving diaper dermatitis.
• Skin lesions and ulcers: An in vitro (petri dish) study from 2014 showed evidence that the antimicrobial properties of bentonite may improve healing in chronic skin lesions, such as ulcers. These results have yet to be replicated in studies involving humans.
• Hair cleaner and softener: In Iran, bentonite clay is traditionally used to cleanse and soften hair. This effect hasn't been proven in scientific studies, although bentonite has been shown to increase wool growth in sheep.
• Antibacterial: The antibacterial effects of bentonite clay have been investigated in in vitro studies. One such study revealed that bentonite may be used to absorb and kill Escherichia coli (E-coli) along with a broad spectrum of bacteria.
• Cancer: Bentonite shows potential in the treatment of cancer. Some evidence suggests its application may stop the growth of some types of cancer cells, including melanoma, but more research is needed.
• Bleeding: The topical application of bentonite clay is known to decrease bleeding and expedite the process of blood clotting.
  

How to Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is available in liquid and powder form. It may be applied directly to the skin or consumed by mouth.

To use bentonite clay on your skin:

• Mix bentonite clay powder with water to form a paste.
• Apply the bentonite paste to clean, dry skin. Do not apply bentonite clay to sensitive areas like the eyes or genitals.
• Leave the bentonite mask on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer to protect your skin from getting too dry.

To ingest bentonite clay by mouth:

• Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of food-grade bentonite powder—or the amount recommended on the bentonite product's packaging—in a glass of water.
• Stir the bentonite in the water well.
• Drink the full glass of bentonite water on an empty stomach.
• After drinking the glass of bentonite water, follow it up with another glass of pure water; Bentonite should be taken with plenty of water to avoid intestinal obstruction or constipation.

Keep in mind that bentonite clay is not a replacement for prescribed medications or other medical treatments. Consult with a healthcare provider if you wish to use bentonite clay regularly, or have any questions or concerns about its use.

What Is Food Grade Bentonite Clay?

Unlike bentonite supplements, food-grade bentonite clay is approved, regulated, and generally recognized as safe by the FDA. If it's food grade, its label should clearly state "food grade" or "USP grade." Food-grade bentonite meets FDA standards for purity and safety, and is free from contaminants that could be harmful if ingested.

Risks of Bentonite Clay

Ingesting bentonite clay with plenty of water can help relieve constipation. However, if you do not drink enough water with bentonite clay, the clay's absorbent properties can result in constipation or intestinal obstruction. Be sure to drink ample water when consuming bentonite clay.

Pregnant or nursing women and older adults should avoid bentonite. Bentonite should not be taken two hours before or after medication or nutritional supplements.

It's important to note that supplements haven't been tested for safety, and dietary supplements in general are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances, such as metals, including lead.

Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

Summary

Bentonite is a mineral-rich clay that comes from volcanic ash. It has traditionally been used to detox the liver, treat skin lesions, and relieve constipation, bloating, and other symptoms of irritable bowel disease. Its use in alternative medicine is widespread, but its benefits have yet to be proven in human studies.

Food-grade bentonite clay is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. However, it should be ingested with lots of water to prevent intestinal obstruction or constipation.

It's important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using bentonite for any health purpose, be sure to consult your physician first.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Moosavi M. Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review. Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176–1183.
2. Littman E, Winningham N, Carson T, Hidalgo I. Black seed oil, bentonite clay, and probiotics: A comprehensive holistic cure for Clostridium difficile infection in a 2-year-old female child. Case Rep Infect Dis. 2022 May;2022(1):2002488. doi:10.1155/2022/2002488
3. Abduljauwad S, Ahmed H, Moy V. Melanoma treatment via non-specific adhesion of cancer cells using charged nano-clays in pre-clinical studies. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb;11(1):2737. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-82441-8
4. FDA. FDA warns consumers not to use “Best Bentonite Clay.”

• Abdel-Wahhab MA, Nada SA, Farag IM, et al. Potential Protective Effect of HSCAS and Bentonite Against Dietary Aflatoxicosis in Rat: With Special Reference to Chromosomal Aberrations. Nat Toxins.1998; 6:211-218.
• PDR Health. Bentonite.
• Santurio JM, Mallmann CA, Rosa AP, et al. Effect of Sodium Bentonite on the Performance and Blood Variables of Broiler Chickens Intoxicated With Aflatoxins. Br Poult Sci. 1999; 40:115-119.

By Cathy Wong
Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.

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