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Aztec clay is one of those magical beauty ingredients that really is as awesome as everyone claims. And the best part is that this super useful ingredient works with your complexion, no matter what your skin issue is that day, week, month, or season.
It softens my skin when it’s feeling dry, but it also sucks up excess oil when my skin feels greasy. And it’s especially helpful in clearing out pores when I haven’t been diligent about face washing (I know, I know). Great for all skin types? Yes! I was a little blown away by how my complexion looked and felt after my first DIY Aztec clay mask. My skin felt soft, smooth, toned, and even looked glowy. And now I’m totally hooked.
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What is Aztec clay?
It’s no wonder that Cleopatra added clay from the Nile river to her beauty ritual. With milk baths and clay masks, Cleopatra was seriously committed to beautiful skin—way ahead of her time. And the fact that she is known for her surpassing beauty, well maybe we should take a few tips from her.
There are several different types of clay, but I like bentonite clay because it works for all skin types, easily taking the guesswork out of which clay is best for you. The iconic Aztec clay jar contains 100% natural calcium bentonite clay from Death Valley, California.
Made from volcanic ash, the clay contains over 50 minerals, almost every mineral found on Earth. If you’re looking for pure, this is it. But what makes it “the world’s most powerful facial?”
Here’s how it works: The molecules in Aztec clay carry a negative electron charge. The gunk stored in your skin has a positive charge.
So when a clay mask is applied to the face, all of the impurities—toxins, dead skin cells, grease, bacteria, oil—are drawn out of the skin and into the clay. At the same time, the nourishing minerals from the clay are transferred to your skin. Imagine the clay as a magnet, pulling the toxins and debris out of your pores, while depositing healthy minerals in return.
Bentonite clay applications have also been shown to have antibacterial effects and to help heal skin lesions—which is probably why it carries the “healing clay” label [source].
DIY Aztec Clay Mask For Every Skin Type
Before you start mixing up mask recipes, always remember to use glass or wooden bowls and spoons. Metal bowls or utensils will interfere with the negative charge that’s about to do your face so much good!
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make a DIY Aztec clay mask is to mix equal parts clay with raw apple cider vinegar. Let it sit on your face (or body) for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Apply the mask once or twice a week to keep your skin clear and smooth. For a little extra exfoliation, use a warm towel or wash cloth to gentle remove the mask, revealing softer skin.
And, of course, you can add different ingredients to customize your mask. Here are a few suggestions.
Aztec Clay Mask for Acne
Clay with activated charcoal will absorb excess oil and help clear out clogged pores. And since the microbiome is now factoring in as an important influence on acne, probiotic masks are considered a good way to introduce beneficial bacteria that help prevent future outbreaks [source].
Combine activated charcoal and clay powders, along with the probiotic in a small bowl. Add apple cider vinegar to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth, thick paste.
Add the drop of your chosen essential oil and stir. With clean fingers, spread over the face, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes. Let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply your usual moisturizer.
*Essential oils for acne: Tea Tree, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lemon, Cypress
Aztec Clay Mask for Wrinkles
Green tea [source] and vitamin C [source] both provide powerful antioxidant protection to prevent wrinkles and aging skin by strengthening collagen and repairing free radical damage.
Combine clay and vitamin C powders in a small bowl. Add green tea to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth paste.
Add your choice of essential oil and stir. With clean fingers spread over the face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply your usual moisturizer.
*Essential oils for wrinkles: Rose, Sandalwood, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Rose Geranium
Aztec Clay Mask for Dry Skin
Rose hips are not only known to contain potent vitamins and antioxidants, but the seeds carry a large amount of good quality fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects and are nourishing when applied to the skin [source].
Combine clay and oil in a small bowl. Add rose water and stir to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth paste.
Add the drop of essential oil and stir. With clean fingers, spread over your face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply your usual moisturizer.
*Essential oils for dry skin: Geranium, Sandalwood, Palmarosa, Myrrh, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile
Aztec Clay Mask for Oily Skin
Clay provides deep pore cleansing by pulling out impurities and dirt, while witch hazel is an effective astringent that tightens pores as they dry.
Combine ingredients and stir until blended. Don’t use metal spoons or bowls to mix.
Apply to skin with clean fingers and leave on for 10 minutes. For those with super oily skin types, the mask can be left on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
*Essential oils for oily skin: Clary sage, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Sweet Marjoram
Aztec Clay FAQ
I have the Aztec clay now, and the container is pretty big, can I use it for anything else?
You can! Clay is a perfect ingredient to add into a bath salt recipe. The clay binds to dirt and oil in our pores and can help prevent ingrown hairs as well. Clay reduces inflammation as well, which is ideal for sore muscles or after a long day.
Bath Salt & Clay Soak
- 2 T epsom salt
- 1 T Himalayan Sea Salt
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t Aztec Clay
- 1 T Olive Oil
Combine all ingredients and stir.
How often can I use a clay mask on my face?
Typically, one to two times a week is great to use a clay mask.
I have sensitive skin, can I still use the clay?
Yes, but if you are concerned you can do a small test patch on the neck area and look for any irritation, redness, itching or swelling.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
