Multani mitti, or fuller’s earth, is a natural gift for the skin and has been used in India for decades. It is traditionally used in ubtan or lepa for the treatment of skin issues like blemishes, acne, scars, and excessive oilyness.
If you are looking for an Ayurvedic solution for soft, supple, and youthful skin, this remedy is a skincare staple for you. Read this article to know multani mitti benefits, uses, and side effects before including it in your daily routine.
Quick Answer
Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) is a mineral-rich clay valued for its natural cleansing and oil-absorbing properties. It controls excess sebum, reduces acne and blemishes, and gently exfoliates to fade tanning and dark spots. Regular use improves blood circulation, giving skin a natural glow while supporting firmness and reducing fine lines. For hair, it absorbs scalp oil, fights dandruff, and adds shine. Mix with rose water for oily skin, or honey and milk for dry skin. Always rinse off while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
What is Multani Mitti?: A Quick Overview
Multani mitti, scientifically known as Solum fullonum, is made from volcanic ash. This is a mineral-rich clay loaded with magnesium, silica, and calcium. It is commonly seen in a variety of colours ranging from white to yellow. This clay originates in Multan, which is in modern-day Pakistan.
It is highly valued in Ayurveda and classified in Ayurvedic texts as muktika mrid (pearl earth) because of its fine texture. Historically, it’s a core ingredient used in ubtan (herbal body cleanser) and used by royal courts for beauty treatments.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Multani Mitti
This is used widely due to its skin-cleansing and purifying properties. With its cooling effect, it balances the pitta dosha and effectively reduces the excess oil and impurities on the skin. Further, it supports exfoliation and hydrates the skin.
Here are the multani mitti benefits for skin and hair in Ayurveda for beginners:
1. Detoxifies the Skin
Multani mitti benefits face with its deep cleansing properties. It absorbs impurities, dirt, and excess oil from the pores and frees the skin from clogging elements. With this, the magical pack prevents the growth of acne and makes the skin clean and refreshed.
2. Absorbs Excess Oil
Excess oil on the skin is often caused by the kapha imbalance. Due to its natural absorbing property, multani mitti face pack benefits in reducing the greasiness and shine on the face. This leads to matte skin and decreases the chances of acne breakouts that are associated with excessive oiliness.
Study Insights:
A 2017 study by The Open Dermatology Journal supports that the face pack containing multani mitti removes dirt and improves blood circulation.
3. Improves Skin Texture
Fuller’s earth removes the dead skin cells and tightens pores, which results in a better skin complexion. The regular application can enhance skin elasticity and smoothness.
4. Reduces Acne
Multani mitti powder benefits in making the skin acne-free. Due to its antibacterial properties, it kills acne-causing bacteria and, over time, reduces inflammation. The best part is that this natural remedy is free from harsh chemicals and stays gentle on the skin.
5. Enables Exfoliation
This clay is a gentle exfoliator. When combined with other ingredients like honey and rose water, it removes dead skin and promotes a brighter, smoother complexion. This also helps with issues like blackheads and whiteheads, facilitating clearer skin.
6. Brightens and Soothes the Skin
By removing impurities from the skin, it makes the skin radiant and bright. It can also be used to treat sunburned and irritated skin during the summer.
7. Provides Hydration and Toning to the Skin
It boosts hydration in the skin, keeping it well moisturised and healthy. This clay contains silica, which promotes elasticity and better collagen production. Through this, it keeps the skin well-toned and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
8. Helps in Skin Allergies
Fuller’s earth is an anti-allergic agent that contains magnesium. People with hyper sensitivity with cosmetic products can use this natural remedy. Thanks to its cooling effect, it provides relief from rashes, irritation, and itching.
9. Improves Hair
Besides the skin benefits, Fuller’s earth is effective in improving hair. You can use it as a hair mask to reduce dandruff and flakiness and promote hair growth. It keeps the hair clean and infection-free and balances the oil in the scalp, preventing it from becoming too oily or too dry.
10. Supports Nails
Multani mitti is used to detoxify and strengthen the nails. It reduces dirt and impurities from the nail bed and provides a healthier environment for nail growth.
Quick answer
Multani mitti benefits skin issues like excess oil, acne, dullness, allergies, and uneven texture. It is also beneficial for hair growth, shine, and nail health.
Ayurvedic Properties of Multani Mitti
Multani mitti ayurveda combines traditional wisdom with natural skincare practices. It is valued for the ayurvedic properties like sheeta (cooling) potency and pitta and kapha balancing effect.
| Property | Detail |
| Rasa (taste) | Kashaya (astringent) |
| Virya (potency) | Sheeta (cooling) |
| Guna (quality) | Laghu (light), ruksha (dry), sheeta (cool) |
| Dosha impact | Pacifies pitta and kapha; may increase vata if overused |
How to Use Multani Mitti?: 5 Best DIY Methods
There are many therapeutic effects of multani mitti on the skin and hair. You can combine it with other natural ingredients like rose water, orange peel, or sandalwood powder to make a face mask. It can also be applied to hair along with aloe vera gel for shine and growth.
Let’s see some DIY methods to use multani mitti:
1. Fuller’s Earth + Rose Water Face Pack For Glowing Skin
In India, the combination of rose water and fuller’s earth is popular in skincare. These ingredients are great for healthy and glowing skin, especially in summer.
Steps to follow:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of multani mitti with ¼ cup of rose water to make a fine paste.
- Apply it evenly on the face and neck.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes until it’s completely dry.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat the face and neck dry.
Extra Tip
Always mix in the non-metal bowl to keep the clay pure. Apply with fingers or a brush, leaving the eye and lip area.
2. Fuller’s Earth + Orange Peel + Lemon Juice Face Pack for Oil Control
You can also make a face pack using natural ingredients like fuller’s earth, orange peel and lemon juice. This is effective in reducing excess oil from the face. It can also be applied to the neck and shoulders for a similar effect.
Steps to follow:
- Combine 1 teaspoon of multani mitti with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of orange peel powder. Add water to make a smooth paste.
- You can also add 1 teaspoon of honey and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder for enhanced benefits.
- Put the mask on your face and neck and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- As the mask is dry, wash it off with warm water. Pat your face and neck dry.
Note: Lemon and other citrus fruits can cause skin irritation. Be cautious of using lemon if you are going to step out in the sun. It can lead to sunburn and other side effects. Always do a patch test before applying it to the whole area.
3. Fuller’s Earth + Sandalwood Powder + Turmeric Powder Face Pack For Spot Treatment
This face mask is the classic treatment to dry out acne quickly. Fuller’s earth pulls the excess oil, sandalwood soothes the skin, and turmeric calms the inflammation.
Steps to follow:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon of multani mitti, and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add 2 tablespoons of water to make a paste.
- Apply it directly on the pimples and leave it overnight.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Extra Tip:
Always moisturize the skin after its application. In case of oily skin, use oil-free moisturiser. Skipping this step will lead to dehydrated and reactive skin.
4. Fuller’s Earth + Kumkumadi Oil + Rose Water Face Pack for Blemishes and Scars
Use this face pack, including revered ingredients like multani mitti, kumkumadi oil, and rose water, to remove blemishes and acne scars. This face pack should be used for at least 3 months regularly to see visible results.
Steps to follow:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of multani mitti with ¼ cup of rose water to make a smooth paste.
- Add 3-4 drops of kumkumadi oil to the mix.
- Apply to the face for an hour.
- Wash it off with plain water and pat the skin dry.
Note: Do not put the clay on cuts or rashes as it can cause infections. Also, always mix with hydrating agents such as honey and yogurt to prevent irritation.
5. Fuller’s Earth + Aloe Vera Hair Mask For Soft and Shiny Hair
Make a hair mask using fuller’s earth and aloe vera gel. The clay mask removes extra oil on your scalp while the aloe vera adds moisture to the hair.
Steps to follow:
- Combine the 2 tablespoons of multani mitti and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
- Apply the mask to the hair and scalp and massage it gently. Leave for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse with water and mild shampoo.
Possible Side Effects of Multani Mitti
Whether ayurvedic medicine have side effects depends on factors such as dosage and how the ingredient is used. Multani mitti is a popular remedy, but improper usage can lead to adverse consequences such as excessive dry skin and allergic reactions.
Here are the possible Multani mitti side effects:
- Excessive Dryness: Although it is highly beneficial for reducing excess oil in the skin, it may lead to excessive dryness, flaking, and roughness in some individuals.
- Skin Irritation: The overuse or when being left for an extended period of time, it may also lead to skin irritation, including rashes, burning sensation, and redness.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals are allergic to multani mitti and may experience symptoms such as rashes, itching, swelling, and irritation.
- Stomach Discomfort: In a condition called PICA, an individual starts craving to eat certain things like multani mitti. It is primarily used for external usage and excessive intake can lead to stomach issues like stomach pain, nausea, and discomfort.
How to Choose the Best Multani Mitti?
For the best results, it is crucial to choose the best quality multani mitti in the market. While buying, check these 4 factors: single ingredient, fine texture, grey-green to olive colour, and sun-dried formula.
- Single Ingredient, Nothing Else: Check the ingredients; it should only contain “multani mitti” and no other ingredients. Be cautious of products that include talc, chalk powder, bentonite blends, or any sort of fragrance.
- Look for Natural Colour: Colour is a great indicator to judge the quality of this clay. Its colour should range from pale grey-green to olive depending on its origin. If the powder looks white, then it is blended with chalk or has been bleached.
- Sun-dried, Not Naturally Processed: Choose the sun-dried powder, as it preserves the clay’s natural mineral structure. Avoid buying from the brands that do not disclose the drying method.
- Fine Texture: The good quality powder has a silky, fine texture, not gritty. The uneven texture indicates its poor milling and can be tough to apply to the skin.
Extra Tip
Store it in an airtight container away from moisture and contaminants to ensure its longevity.
Final Words
Multani mitti benefits skin in various ways with its brightening, toning, and cleansing properties. Its uses extend to nails and hair too, enhancing their health and growth. In Ayurveda, it is valued as a potent pitta balancer due to its cooling effect. It is used for numerous DIY face packs and hair masks for spot treatment, oil control, scars, and shiny hair.
However, one should use it in moderation according to their skin type and sensitivity. This is crucial to protect oneself from the possible side effects, such as excessive dryness and irritation.
FAQs
Q1: What does Ayurveda say about multani mitti?
Ans: It is considered a skin cleansing and exfoliating agent in Ayurveda. This ingredient absorbs oil, dirt, and sweat from the skin and provides a youthful appearance.
Q2: Who should not use multani mitti?
Ans: Those who have extremely dry skin should avoid using it as it makes the skin even drier and may lead to irritation.
Q3: Can we apply multani mitti under the eyes?
Ans: Yes! You can use it under the eyes to reduce dark circles. Combine it with tomato juice and turmeric to see the visible difference.
Q4: Is multani mitti anti-ageing?
Ans: Yes! This clay has anti-aging properties and can be useful to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
Q5: Can multani mitti be used daily?
Ans: It is highly absorbent and can cause skin dryness if used daily. It’s better to use it 2-3 times a week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use it once every week.
Q6: Does multani mitti expire?
Ans: It does not technically expire like food, but its quality degrades over time.
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