As much as we all love a cult-favorite beauty product, none are quite as renowned as Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($15). The bentonite clay powder has made its mark on #shelfies everywhere thanks to its versatility and effectiveness, making the all-natural ingredient a DIY beauty go-to.
Best known for masking, the powder absorbs impurities and gently yet effectively exfoliates skin. But that’s not the only way the bentonite clay can up the ante on your regimen. Ahead, you’ll learn what’s so special about the product, as well as every genius way to incorporate it into your skincare and haircare routines.
Why bentonite clay is so popular
Bentonite clay can target and treat different beauty woes from various angles. “It has many properties, such as high absorption and swelling capacity,” says Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Dueto the way the ingredient soaks up impurities, and dissolves the buildup of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, it’s able to address everything from acne and hair health to body odor and even oral hygiene. (Photo via OksanaKiian/ Getty)
every way you should useAztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
A true multi-tasker, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay can amplify your beauty routine from head to toe. Below are savvy ways to incorporate the must-have product into your haircare and skincare regimens. (Photo via Jessie Quinn)
Face Mask: Masking with bentonite clay is the most popular use of this product. “Using a facial mask containing bentonite clay [can] help to remove toxins from your pores,” notes Jaliman. (Photo via Piotr Marcinski / EyeEm/ Getty)
How To: Mix 1 tablespoon Aztec Secret with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar if you have acne-prone skin; 2 tablespoons rose water if you have dry or sensitive skin; or 2 tablespoons witch hazel if you have oily skin. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse.
Sugar Scrub: Mixing bentonite clay into a homemade sugar face scrub can help slough away rough, dry skin and nourish pores to the core. In addition, Jaliman says it can also help lighten acne marks for a clearer-looking complexion.
How To: Mix 1 teaspoon Aztec Secret with 2 tablespoons coconut oil and 1 tablespoon sugar. Massage into skin to buff away any dry patches, rinse, and cleanse as normal.
Bath Soak: No need for a fancy detox bath product — a little Aztec Secret will go a long way. “Soaking in a bath containing bentonite clay helps to reduce inflammation and heal the skin,” explains Jaliman. And, because it removes toxins from the skin, it can be a great overall reset for the body (especially during cold and flu season).
How To: Add 1 to 2 cups of the clay to your tub depending on how thick you want it to be. As wonderful as it may feel to slip into a full-body clay cleanse, make sure not to soak too long, as submerging yourself in clay for more than 25 minutes may over-detox your body and cause nausea.
Anti-Itch Paste: If you happen to fall victim to a bug bite or itchy skin, bentonite clay is here for you. With its anti-inflammatory properties, the clay “can help ease the discomfort associated with itch,” explains Jaliman.
How To: Similar to calamine lotion, you can create a paste-like substance by mixing equal parts clay and water and applying directly to the bite.
Hair Mask: You can also use the not-so-secret healing clay on your strands. “Using a hair mask with bentonite clay helps to add moisture to the hair and removes toxins from the scalp,” says Jaliman. (Photo via Piotr Marcinski / EyeEm/ Getty)
How To: Add equal parts Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with water or apple cider vinegar. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.
Deodorant: If you’re feeling adventurous with your beauty DIY, you can make a homemade, all-natural deodorant using bentonite’s powerful detoxing capabilities. “A deodorant with bentonite clay draws impurities out from the [armpits],” says Jaliman. “It absorbs moisture from the underarms and helps with body odor as a result.”
How To: Start by mixing 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 tablespoons shea butter to create the base. Next, mix in 2 teaspoons Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and a few drops of the essential oil of your choice (we’re partial to lavender) for a fresh scent.
What’s your go-to use for Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay? Tell us @BritandCo!
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Jessie Quinn
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based writer with work published in NYLON Magazine, StyleCaster, Girlboss, and more. Outside of her work, Jessie creates colorful content for her beauty and wellness blog, Hair Skin Kale (@hairskinkale) and runs a women’s empowerment website and blog called Goods For Girls (@goodsforgirls.club). When she’s not online, she spends quality time with her garden, craft box, and favorite TV show, Friends.
