You may know about bentonite clay as the key ingredient in your go-to face mask that purifies and clarifies your skin. It’s perfect for both that 911 moment when your skin is feeling a little off, or as general oil maintenance. But this ingredient actually goes back centuries – some people think it goes back as far as cavemen to calm wounds as they bathed. Early Native Americans also used clay in rituals and as a healing device. Because clay has the properties to draw out impurities from the skin, it began to be integrated into beauty rituals. Cleopatra poured it into her baths, and Germans and Roman spas use it in various treatments still present today. 

There’s something beautiful about integrating a beauty regimen into your routine that has been used for centuries – especially when it involves one single ingredient and endless benefits. 

Here are our top 5 favorite ways to use Ancient Healing Clay.

The Traditional Face Mask

The most common way to use Ancient Healing Clay is as a weekly face mask. Trust us when we say one container of this stuff will last you forever – you only need a tablespoon or two then mix with equal parts water to create a thick but wet-looking paste. Apply to your face as a 15-minute mask, then wash it off with warm water. If it feels tight? That’s normal. If your skin looks a little red after? Also normal. Enjoy a smoother-looking and so-soft complexion.

The Detoxifying Face Mask

Some days you just need to level up your face mask, and we have just the way to do it. Instead of water, mix one part Rosewater & Vinegar. The addition of this oil-absorbing toner works to exfoliate and remove debris – basically elevating the benefits of the bentonite clay. Leave on for 15 minutes as well, then rinse off with warm water. We recommend following up with a nourishing moisturizer, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. 

The Clarifying Pedicure

Indulging in an at-home pedicure? Pour a capful of Ancient Healing Clay into your foot bath for detoxifying properties, or start the treatment with a foot mask. Mix 1 part clay with equal parts water as above, but cover your feet instead – make sure to put a towel down or do in the tub as this can get a little messy. Rinse off with warm water, then paint those toes!

The Ultimate Bath Time

Evoke the spirit of the Queen of the Nile by pouring a capsule into a hot bath – along with any bath time additives you love like bubbles or salts. The clay enriches skin while working to draw out impurities and deliver a radiant-looking glow. 

The Full Body Treatment

Nourish your body head to toe with a full body wrap using Ancient Healing Clay. You can either mix with water as above and apply to your body using a mask tool or painting brush, let dry, then wash off with warm water – or, you can soak the mask in strips of fabric, apply to skin, let dry, then wash off with warm water. Either way, the result will be skin that’s so soft and smooth you won’t believe it.