If you're looking for the perfect natural clay product for your skincare routine, there are three main options to choose from: bentonite, kaolin and rhassoul clay.
But what is the actual difference between them?
While there isn't a singular "best" clay for everyone, each clay has a specific benefit over the other. Different cosmetic clays have different mineral compositions and properties, which means some may be better suited to particular skin types over others.
In this guide, we'll compare bentonite, kaolin and rhassoul clay, explain what makes each one different and look at which skin types they're generally best suited to.
Comparing Natural Clays
| Clay | Best Suited For | Absorbency | Skin Types |
| Bentonite | Oily or combination skin | High | Oily, combination |
| Kaolin | Gentle cleansing | Low/Medium | Sensitive, dry & normal |
| Rhassoul | Skin and hair care | Medium | Normal, combination & dry |
| Montmorillonite | Absorbent clay masks | Medium/High | Oily & combination |
What Is Cosmetic Clay?
Cosmetic clay is a naturally occurring mineral that can be finely milled and incorporated into skincare and personal-care products.
Clays have been used in traditional beauty and cleansing practices for a long time. Today, they're commonly found in facial masks, body treatments, cleansers, soaps and hair-care products.
One reason clays are popular in skincare is their ability to interact with oils, water and other substances on the surface of the skin.
Different clays behave differently because their mineral composition, structure and surface properties aren't identical.
Bentonite Clay
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite is a type of clay based from volcanic ash deposits and is rich in smectite minerals, including montmorillonite.
It is known for its ability to absorb or bind substances and can form a gel-like consistency when mixed with water, depending on its composition.
In skincare, bentonite is often used in facial and body masks designed for oily skin.
What is Bentonite Clay bestfFor?
Bentonite clay is best used in an absorbent clay mask.
It may be particularly suitable for:
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Skin that feels greasy
- Occasional deep-cleansing masks
- Body masks
- People who prefer a stronger-feeling clay treatments
This type of clay is often used in cosmetic clay masks because it is so absorbent.
However, if your skin is already dry or easily irritated, using this type of clay too frequently may leave your skin feeling uncomfortable, so it's best to consider your skin type first.
Is Bentonite Clay good for oily skin?
Bentonite clay can be a good option for oily skin.
Bentonite's absorbent properties make it a good type of product to help remove excess oil from your skin.
If you're looking more at removing the shine to your skin or excess sebum, bentonite may be better than a more gentle clay such as kaolin.
A clay mask is a treatment rather than something your skin needs daily.
Is Bentonite Clay good for acne?
Bentonite clay is an ingredient that is frequently used in products that help with blemish-prone or acne because of its ability to absorb oil.
However, a bentonite mask shouldn't be used as a replacement for proven acne treatments, and clay is not a cure for acne.
For someone with oily, blemish-prone skin, a bentonite mask can be a good part of a skincare routine, but different people will see different results.
Kaolin Clay
What is Kaolin Clay?
Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay formed primarily of the mineral kaolinite.
It is known as one of the gentler clays used in cosmetics and skincare, which is one reason you can find it in products designed for cleansing and sensitive-feeling skin.
Kaolin is available in different colours as well, including white, pink and red, depending on its mineral content.
What is Kaolin Clay best for?
Kaolin is a a great starting point if you are looking for a natural clay but are looking for something gentler.
It's is best suited for:
- Normal skin
- Dry skin
- Sensitive-feeling skin
- Combination skin
- Gentle cleansing
- Face masks
- Body care
Compared with other more absorbent clays, kaolin can be a better choice for people who don't want their skin to feel heavily stripped after using a clay mask.
Is Kaolin Clay good for sensitive skin?
Kaolin clay can be one of the better clay options for sensitive skin, especially when compared with more strongly absorbent clays.
It was worth remembering that sensitive skin can react to different ingredients, and other ingredients often matter just as much as the clay itself.
If your skin is sensitive, start with a small and short application to see how your skin responds.
Is Kaolin Clay good for dry skin?
Kaolin can be a better option for dry skin than other absorbent clays.
Your skin's natural oils form part of its protective barrier, so aggressive cleansing can leave dry skin feeling even more uncomfortable.
For dry skin, a kaolin mask should be used occasionally, such as twice a month, rather than as a daily treatment.
Rhassoul Clay
What is Rhassoul Clay?
Rhassoul clay, also known as Ghassoul, is a mineral-rich clay sourced from Morocco.
It has a long history of use in Moroccan bathing rituals and can be used for both skin and hair care.
Rhassoul has a distinctive silky texture when mixed with water and is often used as a cleanser or mask.
What is Rhassoul Clay best for?
Rhassoul clay can be a good choice for:
- Normal skin
- Combination skin
- Dry skin
- Facial masks
- Body care
- Hair and scalp treatments
It's a good choice for people who want a clay that can used as part of a natural beauty routine.
Is Rhassoul Clay good for dry skin?
Rhassoul clay can be worth considering if you have dry or normal skin but still enjoy using clay treatments.
Compared with choosing a highly absorbent clay, rhassoul can offer a different experience.
As with all clays, your individual skin and the rest of the formula being used will also have an impact on your skin.
Can you use Rhassoul Clay on your hair?
Yes. Rhassoul is traditionally used in both hair and scalp care and can be mixed with water to create a clay-based treatment.
Some people use it as an alternative to typical shop-bought shampoo, while it can also be used as a hair or scalp treatment.
If you're trying rhassoul clay on your hair for the first time, start small before building it up Hair texture, scalp condition and existing product will all impact how the clay performs.
Bentonite vs Kaolin: What's the Difference?
Bentonite is the more absorbent option, while kaolin is the gentler option for skin.
That makes bentonite a stronger choice for oily and combination skin, while kaolin can be better for dry or sensitive-feeling skin.
Bentonite
- Generally more absorbent
- Popular in masks for oily skin
- Can provide a stronger cleansing sensation
- Useful for body masks
- May feel drying if overused
Kaolin
- Generally gentler
- Suitable for a wider range of skin types
- Often used in sensitive-skin formulations
- Good option for occasional cleansing
Less likely to provide the mask sensation some people associate with bentonite
Kaolin vs Rhassoul: Which Is Better?
Kaolin and rhassoul are both popular choices for people who don't necessarily want a strong clay treatment.
The key difference is that rhassoul has a particularly focussed on skin and hair-care rituals, whereas kaolin is widely used as a gentle cosmetic clay.
If your priority is:
- Gentle facial cleansing - Use kaolin clay
- A versatile skin and hair treatment - Use rhassoul clay
- Dry or sensitive-feeling skin - Use kaolin clay
- Experimenting with natural hair care - Use rhassoul clay
Bentonite vs Rhassoul: Which Should You Choose?
These two clays can make quite different choices depending on your skin.
Choose bentonite if:
- Your skin is oily
- You experience excess shine
- You prefer a more absorbent mask
- You're looking for a clay for occasional deep cleansing
Consider rhassoul if:
- Your skin is normal or dry
- You want a versatile clay
- You want to use clay on your hair as well as your skin
If you have combination skin, you may find that different clay types work better at different times of year when your skin reacts to the weather.
Which Natural Clay Is Best for Oily Skin?
Bentonite is typically the best clay for oily skin.
Its absorbent properties make it particularly popular for masks designed to remove excess oil from the skin's surface.
For oily skin, consider using bentonite occasionally rather than every single day is the recommendation. Make sure to also use moisturiser following your clay mask.
Which Clay Is Best for Dry Skin?
Kaolin is the best clay for especially dry skin, with rhassoul another option that might work.
Dry skin doesn't necessarily benefit from a clay that is super absorbant. Instead, look for a clay treatment that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable rather than tight and stripped.
If you have particularly dry skin, consider:
- Using a smaller amount of clay
- Applying it for a shorter period
- Avoiding very frequent masks
- Not allowing the mask to become completely dry and cracked
- Moisturising afterwards
Which Clay Is Best for Sensitive Skin?
If your skin is sensitive, kaolin is the best skin we would recommend.
It's often seen as a gentler cosmetic clay and is widely used in products designed for sensitive-feeling skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bentonite or kaolin clay better?
One is not especially better than the other. Bentonite is more absorbent and may be better suited to oily skin, while kaolin is a better option for dry or sensitive-feeling skin.
Is kaolin or bentonite better for acne?
Bentonite can be better for oily, blemish-prone skin because of its absorbent properties. However, clay masks should not be used as a treatment or cure for acne, and people with persistent acne will benefit from speaking to a healthcare professional.
What is the gentlest clay for your face?
Kaolin is one of the gentler cosmetic clays and is a good starting point for people with dry or sensitive-feeling skin.
Which clay is best for oily skin?
Bentonite is often a good choice because it is relatively absorbent and is commonly used in masks designed for oily skin.
Which clay is best for combination skin?
Bentonite can be useful on oily areas, while kaolin or rhassoul may be better for drier areas. You can also use a single, gentler clay across the whole face, so it really depends on other factors.
Can I use clay every day?
Most people don't need to use a clay mask every day. Start with occasional use and then change how often you're using it depending on your skin's response.
Can clay dry out your skin?
Yes. Absorbent clays can leave some people's skin feeling dry or tight, particularly when used too frequently or left on for too long.
