7 Amazing Benefits of Multani Mitti for Skin

Whether you call it Fuller’s Earth or Multani Mitti, this multi-benefit clay has been a trusted skincare staple in Indian households for generations, and for good reasons! It’s packed with natural minerals like magnesium, silica, and calcium.^{1 2}

Additionally, when applied to the skin, multani mitti helps soak up excess oil, revives dull skin, tighten pores, and reduces stubborn blemishes.^{2 3}

Curious to learn more about the benefits of Multani Mitti and how to use it effectively? Keep reading!

Multani Mitti- A Clay with History & Heritage

Multani Mitti literally gets its name from the town of Multan, now in Pakistan. In the West, it’s known as Fuller’s Earth, a name that came from its early use in the wool industry to cleanse and soften fabrics. Over time, the term 'fuller's earth' came to describe any clay that can clean and remove oil and grease from wool without the use of chemicals. ⁴ 

Today, Multani Mitti is still a household favourite across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. It’s widely used in face packs to deep-clean skin, fade marks, and bring out a natural glow, just like our grandmothers used to do.^{2 3 4}

So what makes this traditional clay still relevant in today’s skincare world? Let’s dive into the benefits that make Multani Mitti a timeless favourite!

Top 7 Fantastic Benefits Of Multani Mitti 

Here’s why Multani Mitti make a real difference to your skin:

• Deep Cleans Your Skin

Multani Mitti is packed with great benefits! It works like a natural skin blotting paper, absorbing excess oil, dirt, and sweat without irritating your skin. Instead of stripping away natural oils, it cleanses deeply, leaving your skin fresh and glowing. It also unclogs pores and helps prevent pimples.^{5 6}

• Prevents Acne

Do you know most breakouts are caused by clogged pores? And as we have already mentioned, Multani Mitti draws out dirt, sweat, and product build-up trapped deep within the pores. This gentle cleansing prevents pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, while also soothing inflammation and reducing redness caused by acne.^{6 7}

• Evens Out Skin Tone

Dealing with dark spots, blemishes, or uneven patches? Multani Mitti is here to the rescue! It possesses mild bleaching properties that help reduce pigmentation and acne marks. When used regularly as a face pack, this mineral-rich clay promotes a more even looking skin tone and brings back your skin’s natural glow.^{4 8}

• Visibly Reduces Signs Of Ageing

As you age, your skin starts to lose its bounce and firmness. Wrinkles and sagging skin happen when elastin, the protein that keeps skin firm, starts breaking down. An enzyme called elastase breaks down elastin, the protein that keeps your skin tight and wrinkle-free.⁹

Some studies suggest that Multani Mitti may help slow down this process by blocking elastase activity. It also contains antioxidants that protect your skin from everyday damage caused by oxidative stress. So when used regularly, a Multani Mitti face pack can help your skin stay firmer and smoother. ³

• Heal Wounds

This is another fantastic benefit of Multani Mitti other than helping with acne and blemishes. It helps heal small wounds and cuts.  A study also shows that Multani Mitti reduces inflammation and helps in skin regeneration. All you need to do is clean the area and apply a thin layer of Multani Mitti paste. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ll be amazed at how it soothes and supports the skin, healing it naturally!¹⁰

• Helps Remove Tan

Got a stubborn tan after a sunny day out? Multani Mitti can help! It gently exfoliates your skin, removing dead cells and the dull, tanned layer. Not only that, it also helps cool and calm sunburnt skin ^{4 8}

• Soothes Heat Rash

If you’ve sensitive skin, stepping out on a hot, humid day can be enough to trigger those itchy, prickly heat rashes. On top of that, spending time in the sun without protection can worsen skin conditions. While these rashes are often harmless, they can be super uncomfortable. And here good old Multani Mitti can be a natural fix! Known for its cooling properties, it helps soothe and calm heat rashes, giving you much-needed relief for irritated skin.¹¹

4 Easy Ways to Use Multani Mitti on Your Skin

Wondering how to use Multani Mitti at home with simple DIY packs? Here are effective ways to get you started.

1) As A Face Pack

One of the most popular ways to use Multani Mitti is as a face pack. It helps tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even tackle pigmentation issues.^{2 3} Additionally, it works well when combined with other natural ingredients.

How to use it:

1. For combination skin: Try mixing Multani Mitti with milk for a smooth paste.
2. For dehydrated skin: You can blend it with rose water to add some extra hydration.¹²
3. Apply a thin, even layer on clean, dry skin.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Note: Use it 1–2 times a week, depending on your skin’s needs. Always patch test first to check for any sensitivities.

2. As A Spot Treatment

Got a sudden breakout? Multani Mitti, with its oil-absorbing nature, may help soothe active pimples and reduce redness without being too harsh on the skin.^{5 6}

How to Use It:

1. Mix a small amount of Multani Mitti with plain water to form a thick paste.
2. Dab it directly on the pimple spots.
3. Let it dry completely, then rinse off gently.
4. Use it just once a day on active spots, and always follow up with a gentle moisturiser.

3. As A Gentle Exfoliator

Want your makeup to glide on like a dream? Start with gentle cleansing and exfoliation. You can also use Multani Mitti here. It acts as a natural exfoliator, gently removing dead skin cells that can make your makeup look cakey or uneven. ⁵ This leaves you with a soft, fresh canvas that holds makeup better and looks flawless.

How to Use It:

1. Mix Multani Mitti with a teaspoon of honey or aloe vera gel.
2. Gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions.
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Pro tip: Use it once a week to keep your skin prepped before applying makeup.

3. As A Cooling De-Tan Mask

As mentioned already, Multani Mitti helps soothe sunburn, and gradually fade tan. This is all due to its bleaching properties. ^{4 8}

How to Use It:

• Mix Multani Mitti with some cucumber juice or rose water.¹³
• Apply an even layer to your face and tanned areas.
• Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

And that’s just the beginning! There are so many other easy Multani Mitti face mask recipes you can try at home using yoghurt, lemon juice, aloe vera gel and more. 

How To Remove Multani Mitti Face Pack

Once you apply the multani mitti face mask, removing it gently is just as important as applying it right. So here are a few simple tips to remove the face mask or pack: ¹¹

• Don’t wait for it to crack! Wash it off once it’s dry to the touch. Over-drying can irritate your skin.
• Always dampen the skin first. Sprinkle some water to loosen the mask. 
• Instead of peeling or scratching, use wet fingers and gently massage in circular motions to lift it off.
• Then, rinse your face thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.
• Once done, pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing your skin.
• After that, you can rub an ice cube gently over your face. This helps close pores and tighten the skin.
• Lastly, finish with moisturiser to rehydrate your skin.

Using Multani Mitti? Read These Precautions First

Multani Mitti face packs are easy to apply and feel great on the skin. But a few things are worth keeping in mind to avoid any unwanted adverse reactions: 

• Always do a patch test! Just apply a small amount of Multani Mitti pack behind your ear or on your inner arm and wait a few hours to check for sensitivity.
• As you know, Multani Mitti can soak up excess oil, which sometimes leaves your skin dry and irritated.³ That’s why it’s a good idea to mix it with hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe vera, or milk. 
• Don’t keep it on your face for too long until it cracks. It can pull on the skin, making it tight or uncomfortable. So once it’s dry to the touch, rinse it off gently.
• More isn’t always better. Use Multani Mitti just once or twice a week to avoid drying out your skin and give it time to breathe.

Wrapping Up!

No skincare ingredient works overnight. It takes consistency, patience, and the right routine. The benefits of Multani Mitti go well beyond just oil control; it helps fight acne-causing microbes, calms redness, and gently fades tan over time. If used regularly and in the right way, it can get you clear glowing skin without any harsh side effects. Along with right skincare, make sure to follow a healthy diet and good lifestyle habits, and you’re on the right track.

Additionally, if you're looking for skincare that blends ayurveda with science, explore our range of toxin-free, plant-based products. It’s safe for new moms, babies, and anyone seeking skincare that’s natural, gentle, and effective.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Multani Mitti On My Face Daily?

No, it is not recommended to use Multani Mitti daily. Although it’s great at absorbing excess oil and unclogging pores, using it too often can strip away skin’s natural moisture and leave it dry or irritated. So for best results, apply it once or twice a week, depending on your skin type. ³ 

2. Are There Any Disadvantages Of Using Multani Mitti?

Yes. Overuse can make your skin dry, flaky, or irritated, especially if your skin is sensitive. So, don’t wait for the pack to crack fully. Instead, wet your hands, soften the pack gently, and wash it off. And always apply a hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin soft and healthy.³ 

3. Is Multani Mitti Effective For Tan Removal?

Yes, Multani Mittti’s natural exfoliating and cooling properties can help remove impurities and dead skin cells, while gradually brightening tanned skin. Just use Multani Mitti 1 to 2 times a week and then moisturise your skin well.^{4 8}