Multani Mitti
A soft mineral clay used across Indian homes as an oil-absorbing face and hair pack.
Also known as
Multani Mitti · Fuller's Earth · Bentonite-style clay (household usage)
- hindi:
- Multani Mitti
- tamil:
- Multani Mannu
- telugu:
- Multani Mitti
- bengali:
- Multani Mati
- marathi:
- Multani Mati
- gujarati:
- Multani Mati
Key components
- Naturally occurring aluminium silicate clay
- Mineral content including magnesium and silica
- Sold as a dry powder or pressed block — external use only
Traditional overview
- Mixed with rose water into an oil-control face pack
- Combined with curd or honey for a weekly face mask
- Applied to oily scalp before washing
- Used on the body during summer as a cooling pack
Common traditional forms
- clay paste
- face pack
- hair pack
Wellness tags
- skin care
- oil control
- summer routine
Body focus
- skin
- scalp
Concerns
- oily skin
- acne-prone skin
- scalp oiliness
What to know before use
External use only — never swallow it. Mix into a smooth paste with rose water or plain water, patch test on the inner forearm, apply a thin layer, and rinse off while still slightly damp rather than letting it dry to a hard crust. Once or twice a week at most. Avoid breathing in the dry powder while mixing. Stop if the skin feels tight, itchy or irritated.
Important cautions
Effective at absorbing oil, and that is exactly its risk: it dries the skin considerably. It is strictly for external use, and the loose powder should not be inhaled.
Who should avoid it
- People with dry, flaky, eczema-prone or sensitive skin
- Anyone with broken, inflamed, sunburnt or freshly shaved skin
- People with asthma or respiratory sensitivity, when handling loose powder
- Anyone who has had a reaction to clay masks before
Medicine interactions
- None known — it is not taken internally under any circumstances
PregnancyExternal use only, and generally fine in pregnancy. Skin can be more reactive during pregnancy, so patch test first.
ChildrenNot needed for children's skin, which is naturally less oily. If used at all on a teenager, patch test and keep the application brief.
Quality and buying guidance
Choose a fine, uniform pale beige powder from a sealed pack, with no grit, stones or strong smell. Loose market clay may be contaminated. Store dry and sealed, and mix only what you need in a clean bowl.
What does the evidence say?
This entry rests on traditional and household use recorded over generations, not on clinical trials. Treat it as cultural and educational information.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.