Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is volcanic ash that absorbs toxins through a negative ionic charge. The problem: it absorbs everything indiscriminately - including heavy metals already present in the clay itself, which then transfer to your skin and bloodstream.
The solution isn't to avoid clay. It's to use clay that has been independently tested and certified heavy metal-free - which is exactly what sets CLAYER apart from every other option on this page.
Bentonite clay and other clays can be found in different places worldwide.
Bentonite clay is known to be composed with heavy metals.
Clayer’s green clay is only one composed of 10% bentonite clay which does not contain heavy metal compounds, which makes our green clay the only clay product not falling under Proposition 65 California Warning
Our green clay is from a specific place in France between the Atlantic Ocean and the Alps.
Our location is free from the pollution, not too dry, not to humid avoiding heavy metal compounds. Pure over 80%, without quartz and silica, our French Green Clay ingredient is Certified Non-Toxic and Natural by Eco-Cert, which makes our french green clay the PUREST in the World with a purity at over 80%. Most of the clays like bentonite clay you will find on the market are barely at 60% and contain a lot of heavy metal compounds.
THE UNIQUE COMPOSITION OF CLAYER HEALING CLAY
55-65 % Illite
10-15% Kaolin
5-10% Montmorillonite (known as Bentonite Clay)
What is illite clay ?
IIllite is a group of closely related non-expanding clay minerals. Illite is a secondary mineral precipitate.
What is kaolin clay ?
Kaolin acts as a protective coating for the mouth to decrease pain associated with radiation-induced damage.
We are the only company with access to this French Green Clay in the USA as we have an exclusive agreement with our supplier.
The fact that our green clay contains only 10% bentonite clay makes Clayer unique with great properties.
CLAYER provides one of the very few, if not the only Certified non-toxic, food grade and heavy metal free healing clay in the United States and World: https://clayerworld.com/products/french-green-clay-powder-heavy-metal-free
2026 Bentonite Clay Mask Rankings
| Rank | Product | Format | Price | Heavy Metal-Free | Ready-to-Use | WADA-Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 #1 | CLAYER French Healing Clay Mask | Ready-to-Use Tube | $30 | ✅ Certified | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🥈 #2 | Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay | Powder Jar | ~$15 | ❌ Contains lead | ❌ Must mix | ❌ Unknown |
| 🥉 #3 | Sky Organics Bentonite Clay | Powder Jar | ~$18 | ❌ Not certified | ❌ Must mix | ❌ Unknown |
Detailed Reviews: Best Bentonite Clay Masks
🥇 #1 — CLAYER French Healing Clay Mask
- Ready-to-use from tube
- Certified lead & arsenic-free
- Illite + Kaolin + Bentonite blend
- Anti-aging electrolyte formula
- Gentle - doesn't over-dry
- Only 10 minutes per session
- Trusted by MLB, NFL, Olympic athletes
- Higher price than basic powders (justified by safety + convenience)
🥈 #2 — Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- Very affordable
- Strong absorption for oily skin
- Large jar lasts months
- Independent tests show lead contamination
- Not heavy metal-free certified
- Requires mixing - messy process
- Must use non-metal utensils
- Can over-dry and irritate skin
🥉 #3 — Sky Organics Bentonite Clay
- Versatile (face, body, hair)
- Cruelty-free brand
- Not independently certified heavy metal-free
- Requires mixing preparation
- No WADA certification
Ready to Use the Safest Clay Mask Available?
CLAYER is the only ready-to-use healing clay in the US certified heavy metal-free, WADA-compliant, and rated 100/100 on YUKA. No mixing. No mess. Just results in 10 minutes.
Shop CLAYER Clay Mask — $30 →Also available as a heavy metal-free powder →
The composition of minerals of Clayer French Healing Clays:
Our 100% Natural French green clay contains essential minerals. The body absorbs those minerals that it needs to maintain health & vigor. Because we want to be transparent with you, here the list of the minerals found in our French Green Clay:
Silicon – 20.2 %
Silicon is an essential ingredient for stronger bones, better skin and more flexible joints.
The human body contains approximately 7 grams of silicon, which is present in various tissues and body fluids. The silicon in tissues is usually bonded to glycoproteins such as cartilage, whereas the silicon in blood is almost entirely found as either free orthosilicic acid or linked to small compounds.
Calcium – 3900 mg/kg
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life, mostly find in the bentonite clay. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium enables our blood to clot, our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat.
Every day, we lose calcium through our skin, nails, hair, sweat, and more. Our bodies cannot produce its own calcium. That’s why it’s important to get enough calcium. When we don’t get the calcium our body needs, it is taken from our bones. This is fine once in a while, but if it happens too often, bones get weak and easier to break.
Iron – 3300 mg/kg
Iron is an essential mineral. “The major reason we need it is that it helps to transport oxygen throughout the body,” says Paul Thomas, EdD, RD, a scientific consultant to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
Potassium – 2900 mg/kg
Potassium is an important mineral that functions as an electrolyte. It helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. Our clay is rich in Potassium thanks to its composition of bentonite clay.
Magnesium – 1600 mg/kg
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heart beat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aid in the production of energy and protein
Phosphorus – 930 mg/kg
Phosphorus works with calcium to help build bones. You need the right amount of both calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Phosphorus also plays an important structural role in nucleic acids and cell membranes. And it’s involved in the body’s energy production. Your body absorbs less phosphorus when calcium levels are too high, and vice versa.
Manganese – 400 mg/kg
Manganese is predominantly stored in the bones, liver, kidney, and pancreas. It aids in the formation of connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors, and sex hormones and plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
Molybdenum – 0.54 mg/kg
The molybdenum cofactor activates four essential enzymes, which are biological molecules that drive chemical reactions in the body. Below are the four enzymes: Sulfite oxidase: Converts sulfite to sulfate, preventing the dangerous buildup of sulfites in the body
Sodium – 330 mg/kg
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. Found in the bentonite clay in our product. It’s important for proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels. Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia.
Zinc – 85 mg/kg
Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. The body also needs zinc to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells
Chromium – 53 mg/kg
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that canimprove insulin sensitivity and enhance protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.
Copper – 18 mg/kg
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Selenium – 0.93 mg/kg
Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy.Selenium is important for reproduction, thyroid gland function, DNA production, and protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals and from infection.
Everything You Need to Know About Bentonite Clay
What Is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a natural clay formed from aged volcanic ash, primarily composed of montmorillonite. When hydrated, it develops a strong negative ionic charge that attracts and binds positively charged toxins, heavy metals, and bacteria - drawing them out of the skin.
The challenge: the clay's absorptive power is non-selective. If the clay itself contains lead or arsenic (as lab tests show many commercial brands do), those metals transfer directly to your skin during every application.
Bentonite Clay vs French Green Clay (Illite): What's the Difference?
CLAYER's mask uses a proprietary blend including illite (French green clay from the Massif Central region of France), kaolin, and bentonite. French illite clay is:
Richer in Minerals
Illite contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, silica, and 50+ trace minerals — more than standard bentonite alone.
Gentler on Skin
Bentonite can over-dry and crack sensitive skin. Illite's softer absorption is tolerated by more skin types including sensitive skin.
Anti-Inflammatory
Electrolytes in French clay reduce redness and inflammation during the mask session - not just after rinsing.
Certifiable Safe
French green clay from regulated European sources is the only type consistently passing heavy metal certification for topical use.
Key Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Skin
Deep Pore Cleansing
Draws sebum, pollution particles, and bacteria from deep in pores - not just surface-level cleaning.
Anti-Aging
Mineral-rich clay stimulates cellular renewal and improves skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Acne & Blackhead Control
Reduces acne-causing bacteria and pulls out blackhead-forming sebum without harsh chemicals.
Natural Detox
Removes environmental toxins and synthetic chemical residue accumulated from daily product use.
How to Use Bentonite Clay Correctly
For CLAYER (ready-to-use):
- Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin using downward strokes
- Leave on for 10–15 minutes (do NOT let it fully crack-dry)
- Rinse with warm water and gentle circular motions
- Follow with your regular moisturizer
- Use 2–3 times per week for best results
For powder versions: Never use metal bowls or utensils (metal disrupts the clay's ionic charge). Mix with water or apple cider vinegar to a smooth paste consistency before applying.
⚠️ Should clay masks crack? No — this is one of the most common mistakes. A cracking clay mask means it has over-dried. The clay stops working once fully dry and can stress the skin. Keep the mask slightly moist (mist with water if needed) for maximum mineral absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bentonite Clay
Is bentonite clay safe to use on skin?
Bentonite clay is safe when it has been independently tested and certified free of heavy metals. Many commercial brands have not done this testing — and independent labs have found lead and arsenic in several popular products. Always look for a certified heavy metal-free label before purchasing.
Why does my face turn red after a clay mask?
Mild, temporary redness (lasting 5–15 minutes) is normal and indicates increased blood circulation from the clay's drawing action. Persistent redness or burning lasting longer than 30 minutes may signal over-drying, sensitivity to an ingredient, or a reaction. If using CLAYER, redness typically resolves within 10 minutes.
How often should I use a bentonite clay mask?
For most skin types, 2–3 times per week is ideal. Oily or acne-prone skin may tolerate daily use. Sensitive or dry skin should start with once per week. Avoid daily use of powder bentonite as it can disrupt the skin barrier over time.
Can I mix bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar?
Yes - ACV changes the pH of the clay and can enhance its effectiveness for oily and acne-prone skin. However, it can also increase drying and irritation for sensitive skin types. CLAYER's ready-to-use formula is pre-optimized with the correct pH, making this step unnecessary.
What's the difference between bentonite clay and French green clay?
Bentonite is sodium or calcium-based montmorillonite, primarily sourced from volcanic ash. French green clay (illite) is sourced from the Massif Central region of France, contains a richer mineral profile, and is generally gentler on skin. CLAYER combines both in a proprietary formula for optimal results.
Is CLAYER clay mask safe for athletes subject to drug testing?
Yes. CLAYER is fully WADA-compliant. Our formula contains no banned substances and has been verified safe for professional athletes across MLB, NFL, UFC, and Olympic programs.
What makes CLAYER different from Aztec Secret?
Three key differences: (1) CLAYER is certified heavy metal-free — Aztec Secret is not, and has tested positive for lead in independent analyses. (2) CLAYER is ready-to-use from the tube — Aztec requires messy powder mixing. (3) CLAYER's formula combines illite, kaolin, and bentonite for anti-aging benefits beyond basic deep pore cleansing.
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