Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay is a strong cosmetic clay with a dense mineral feel and a noticeably absorbent character. In the hand, it feels fine, dry, and powdery, but with more force than softer clays; once mixed, it becomes a smooth, weighty paste that gives masks, cleansers, soaps, and clay treatments a clear, active clay presence. Its identity is the pull: customers use it when they want a formula to feel drying, cleansing, and unmistakably clay-led.

As it dries, Bentonite creates a more tightened, matte surface than gentler clays, with a clear sense of oil and slip being reduced. After rinsing, the skin feels clean-surfaced, less coated, and firmly dried down rather than soft or cushioned. It is best suited to formulas where strong clay performance is part of the appeal. Used at high levels, it can become too tight, dry, chalky, or severe, so it works best when balanced with softer ingredients that add glide, cushion, or comfort.

Uses:  Bentonite clay is used as a thickener, emulsion stabiliser and suspending agent for opaque products. It hydrates quickly and easily in water and gives structure to the water phase of your creams or liquid products and is particularly well suited to pigmented make-up such as BB creams, Liquid Foundation or tinted moisturisers.

Use Levels: 0.5-3%

Formulating Tips:  Add to the water phase while stirring.  Bentonite is heat stable so you can heat the water to decrease hydration time.  Continue mixing until a smooth thickened water phase is formed with no lumps.  The clay should be hydrated in pure water with no additives. 

Notes: Please be aware that this thickener cannot be used to create clear products.

Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only.

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