In the quest for radiant and healthy skin, people have turned to various skincare products and treatments. But what if we told you that an ancient, natural remedy could hold the key to unlocking your skin’s true potential? Enter multani mitti, also known as Fuller’s Earth—a humble yet remarkable substance revered for centuries for its astonishing benefits.
This article looks at multani mitti, exploring its incredible benefits and why it deserves a special place in your skincare routine. Let’s dive into the 12 amazing benefits that make multani mitti a must-have addition to your skincare arsenal.
What is Multani Mitti?
Multani mitti is a natural clay-like substance used for centuries in skincare and beauty practices. This unique clay is formed from the decomposition of volcanic ash and is enriched with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron. “Multani mitti” translates to “mud from Multan,” emphasizing its geographical significance.
Multani mitti is characterized by its light beige color and fine texture, making it ideal for topical application. It is easily available in powdered form and can be mixed with water or other natural ingredients to create a paste that can be applied to the skin. Its gentle yet effective nature makes it a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts looking for natural solutions to enhance their skin’s health and appearance.
12 Benefits of Multani Mitti for Skin
Here are 12 uses of multani mitti and how they can benefit your skin.
1. Deep cleansing and detoxification
Multani mitti acts as a natural cleanser, drawing out impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin. Its absorbent properties penetrate deep into the pores, unclogging them and leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized. [1]
2. Oil balancing and acne control
One of the most remarkable benefits of multani mitti is its ability to regulate oil production. Absorbing excess sebum helps prevent clogged pores and reduces acne and pimples. [1]
3. Exfoliation and dead skin removal
Multani mitti is an excellent exfoliator, gently buffing away dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. Regular use can diminish the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and dull skin, giving you a healthy glow. [1]
Want to explore more on exfoliating, read our related article on – Homemade Body Scrubs to Exfoliate Naturally
4. Soothing and calming properties
If you’re dealing with irritated or inflamed skin, multani mitti comes to the rescue. Its soothing and cooling effects can alleviate redness, itchiness, and skin rashes, providing much-needed relief and promoting a calm, balanced skin tone. [1]
5. Minimize pore sizes
Large facial pores can affect the appearance of the face. multani mitti helps minimize the size of pores to maintain the skin’s appearance. [2]
6. Complexion enhancement
With its ability to remove impurities and dead skin cells, multani mitti promotes a brighter and more even complexion. It helps fade acne scars, pigmentation, and dark spots, revealing a clearer and more radiant skin tone. [1]
7. Natural skin lightening
Multani mitti possesses gentle bleaching properties that can help lighten your skin tone. Regular use can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and blemishes, giving you a naturally glowing complexion. [3]
8. Removes blackheads
Multani mitti helps combat blackheads and promotes a rejuvenated appearance. [2]
9. Natural cooling effect
Multani mitti has a natural cooling effect on the skin, making it an ideal remedy for soothing sunburns or irritated skin caused by heat or environmental factors. It provides instant relief and helps restore the skin’s natural balance. [4]
10. Gentle skin exfoliation
Unlike harsh chemical exfoliators, multani mitti offers a non-abrasive way of removing dead skin cells. It polishes the skin without causing irritation, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. [1]
11. Scalp and hair health
Multani mitti is not limited to skin care; it also benefits your hair and scalp. Its cleansing properties help remove impurities from the scalp, promoting a healthier scalp. [5]
12. Natural hair conditioner
For hair, multani mitti acts as a natural conditioner, adding volume and shine to your hair. It helps overcome dry hair, leaving you with soft, silky, and manageable hair. [5]
How to Apply Multani Mitti to Skin
Follow these simple steps to harness the power of multani mitti in your skincare routine:
1. Cleanse your face
Before applying the multani mitti face pack, ensure your face is clean and free from makeup, dirt, and impurities. Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type, and dry with a clean towel.
2. Prepare the multani mitti paste
Take a small bowl and add a few tablespoons of multani mitti powder. Gradually pour in water or rose water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free paste. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
3. Customize with additional ingredients (optional)
You can incorporate other natural ingredients into your multani mitti face pack for enhanced benefits. For example, you may add a teaspoon of raw honey for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, a few drops of lemon juice for skin brightening, or a pinch of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Apply the multani mitti paste
Using a clean brush, fingertips, or a facial mask applicator, apply an even layer of the multani mitti face pack to your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area. Gently massage the paste onto your skin in circular motions for a minute or two, ensuring even coverage.
5. Relax and let it dry
Allow the multani mitti paste to dry naturally. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the layer and the surrounding temperature.
6. Rinse off with lukewarm water
Splash your face with lukewarm water to soften the dried mask, and gently massage in circular motions to exfoliate the skin while rinsing.
7. Moisturize your skin
After rinsing off the multani mitti, restoring moisture to your skin is crucial. Apply a hydrating moisturizer suited to your skin type to lock in moisture and benefit from the multani mitti face pack.
Always perform a patch test before using multani mitti for the first time to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions. Additionally, if you have any underlying skin conditions or allergies, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating any new skincare product into your routine.
Multani Mitti DIY Face Packs
1. Multani Mitti , Chandan, and Haldi Face Pack
Mix a spoonful of multani mitti with half a spoonful of chandan powder (sandalwood), 1/4th spoon of haldi powder (turmeric), and a spoonful of gulab jal (rose water) or milk to create a paste. Apply it on the face, leave it on till completely dry, and wash with cold water. It will cleanse your face and act as a natural remedy for your skin.
2. Multani Mitti and Neem Face Pack
Mix multani mitti with neem powder. Then, add some water into the mix until you get a paste-like consistency. Apply it on your acne or spot marks and you will get a clean and clear acne-free skin.
3. Multani Mitti and Vitamin C Face Pack
Mix one spoon of multani mitti with half a spoon of orange peel powder, ¼ spoon of haldi powder, one spoon of lemon juice, and one spoon of honey to create a thick paste. Apply it all over the face and wash with water when dried fully. On drying, the mask tightens which increases blood flow as it cools and contracts. The end result will be a fresh, soothed, and supple face.
4. Multani Mitti and Herbal Face Pack
Take a quarter spoon of multani mitti, half a spoon besan (gram flour), two pinches of white sandalwood powder, milk powder, and green tea each, and a pinch of haldi powder and kesar. Apply daily on a wet face, forming a paste of it in water with proper consistency. Apply evenly on the face with the help of a brush. Leave it for 15 minutes for complete drying. Then remove with the help of a wet sponge. [1]
How is Multani Mitti made?
Multani mitti is essentially a clay consisting of Aluminium Silicate with other impurities in minimal proportions. Not much mention is made of its composition in Indian literature as opposed to the West. The composition may vary according to the area from where it is mined.
The earliest reference from India was made about Jodhpur (Kapurdi) clay which consists of: [6]
| Component | Qty. |
| SiO2 | 47% |
| Al2O3 | 23% |
| Fe2O3 | 7% |
| CaO | 3% |
| MgO | Traces |
Who shouldn’t use Multani Mitti?
Multani Mitti is highly beneficial for those with oily skin or a combination skin type. However, as a rule, this shouldn’t be used by people with sensitive or dry skin.
Multani mitti is great at absorbing moisture and thus, it might absorb a lot of moisture from a dry skin type and cause irritation and itching. [7]
Price Chart for Multani Mitti
| Product | Online Shop / Store | Price per Qty. |
| Organic 100% Pure Multani Mitti Powder (Fuller’s Earth) | Amazon | ₹129/- per 400 gm |
| Facial Ubtan Multani Mitti | Forest Essentials | ₹595/- per 50 gm |
| Dhawak Multani Mitti Whole (Skin Face Clay) | Amazon | ₹149/- per 900 gm |
| Owil Multani Mitti | Flipkart | ₹100/- per 300 gm |
| Wild Organic Multani Mitti Powder | Nykaa | ₹244/- per 250 gm |
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of multani mitti for the face?
Multani mitti deep cleanses the skin, controls oiliness, exfoliates dead skin cells, and tightens pores. It also has anti-aging properties and soothes irritated skin.
2. Are there any disadvantages of using multani mitti?
While multani mitti is generally safe, it may have a few disadvantages. It can cause dryness in some individuals, so it’s important to moisturize after use. Additionally, it should be used in moderation, as excessive use may disrupt the skin’s natural moisture balance.
3. What are the benefits of multani mitti for hair?
Multani Mitti benefits the hair by removing excess oil and dirt. It also acts as a natural conditioner, adding volume and overcoming the problem of dry hair.
Conclusion
In a world saturated with chemical-laden skincare products, multani mitti is a natural gem that continues to captivate skincare enthusiasts with its remarkable benefits. From deep cleansing and oil control to complexion enhancement and anti-aging effects, this ancient remedy has proven its worth time and time again.
Always perform a patch test before using multani mitti for the first time to ensure you do not have any adverse reactions. Additionally, if you have any underlying skin conditions or allergies, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating any new skincare product into your routine.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.
References:
- In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack. November 2017
- FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ONION SCRUB. 08 April 2023
- New developing reagent for latent fingermark visualization: Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti).
- PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL FACE PACK. 28 May 2015
- A REVIEW ON ACTIVITY OF HERBAL HAIR MASK ON HAIR FALL. 07 May 2022
- Multani Mitti -Is it more than a placebo?
- Strength Elements in the Multani Mitti Clay
