Bentonite

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Bentonite?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Bentonite use with caution for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies 0–6 months, bentonite (a clay used in creams and masks) is generally low risk in laboratory reviews, but because clays can carry impurities and may dry or irritate very young skin, it should be used with extra care.

What to Do

Avoid applying products that list bentonite to the skin of newborns and young infants unless a pediatrician recommends it. If a product with bentonite is suggested by a doctor, choose a well-known brand that provides manufacturing or purity information, use a very small amount in a small area first, and stop use at any sign of redness, swelling, blistering, or worsening dryness. Never let the infant put the product in their mouth and avoid using it on broken skin or near the eyes and lips.

⚠️Warnings

There are two main reasons to be careful: 1) Some reviewers recommend limits on how bentonite is used in products and how it’s made (industry safety review guidance from Cosmetic Ingredient Review), so formulations and concentrations can matter. 2) Contamination concerns have been raised for clays, particularly possible lead contamination — this is the part to watch for. If a product does not list testing or purity guarantees, avoid using it on infants. If you see any rash, fussiness after application, or signs of irritation, wash the area with water and contact your pediatrician. For any questions about safety for a specific baby, check with your child’s pediatrician and prefer products with purity testing or safer-labeling for infants.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: A formal industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) recommends limits and product-type restrictions for bentonite. The ingredient record also flags that some verified product programs will not allow this ingredient without proof it is safe. Because of these formal use limits, some products may ban or heavily restrict bentonite.
Brain Development: The ingredient record lists lead as a contamination concern. Lead is hazardous to young children's brain growth and learning, so any lead contamination in bentonite is a real risk if babies or children are exposed.
Builds Up: The ingredient record flags lead as a contaminant. Lead can build up in the body over time with repeated exposure, so repeated use of a product with contaminated bentonite could cause accumulation.
Long-Term Risk: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) notes data gaps and that safety assessments rely on reported maximum use levels. This uncertainty means long-term effects from repeated use are not fully known.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Bentonite

This ingredient may also be listed as:

bentoniteSOAP CLAYSOUTHERN BENTONITEPANTHER CREEK BENTONITEQ20817027IMVITE I.G.B.AHI-JELBENTONITE 2073ALBAGEL PREMIUM USP 4444BENTONITE MAGMABENTONITE

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Bentonite

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Bentonite or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Bentonite

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Bentonite?

Use caution with Bentonite for 0-6 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the banned risks of Bentonite for newborns?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the brain development risks of Bentonite for newborns?

Possible effects on early brain growth and mental development. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the builds up risks of Bentonite for newborns?

Builds up in the body over time with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Bentonite for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Bentonite?

Bentonite is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Bentonite?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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