Multani mitti (Fuller's earth)
What multani mitti is, how it is traditionally used, what published studies show and where they fall short, how to use it safely, and which GraceYes products contain it.
What it is
A mined absorbent clay of aluminium and magnesium silicates. It is traditional in Indian beauty rituals, but it has no verified monograph in the classical Indian texts.
What studies show
- Fuller's earth removed about 90% of a test chemical from skin, versus 54% for water. This was a lab study (PubMed).
- A kaolin and bentonite mask reduced skin oil and acne lesions over 4 weeks. It used different clays and had no control group (PubMed).
Safety
The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel found low skin irritation. The main risk is inhaling the dust (PubMed). Choose clay that has been tested for heavy metals.
GraceYes products that contain it
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Studies are linked so you can read them yourself. Always patch-test a new product, and speak to a doctor about any skin or scalp condition.