Multani mitti, also known as Fuller’s earth, is a mineral-rich clay-like substance that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Pakistani beauty rituals. It gets its name from its city of origin, Multan, in modern-day Pakistan. Multani mitti is prized for its ability to absorb oil and impurities, and its composition is similar to bentonite clay, containing a blend of hydrated aluminum silicates, magnesium chloride, and calcium bentonite.

How Multani Mitti Helps the Skin

Multani mitti is a versatile and effective ingredient for skincare, offering a range of benefits, particularly for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Deep Cleansing and Oil Absorption: Its high absorbency makes it excellent for drawing out excess oil, sweat, and impurities from the pores. This helps to reduce shine, prevent clogged pores, and minimize breakouts.
Exfoliation: The fine, gritty texture of the clay provides a gentle exfoliating action. As you rinse it off, it helps to slough away dead skin cells, promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion and improving skin texture.
Acne and Blemish Control: By controlling oil production and deep-cleansing pores, multani mitti is effective in treating and preventing acne and pimples. Its cooling properties can also help soothe inflammation and redness associated with breakouts.
Skin Brightening and Toning: Regular use of multani mitti can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, and sun damage. It can promote a more even skin tone and a natural glow.
Cooling and Soothing: Multani mitti has a natural cooling effect on the skin, making it an excellent remedy for soothing sunburns, rashes, and other forms of skin irritation. This can also help to calm down inflamed skin.
Skin Tightening: As the mask dries, it creates a gentle tightening effect on the skin. This can help to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, giving the skin a more toned and youthful look.

How to Use Multani Mitti

Multani mitti is most commonly used in the form of a face pack. The ingredients you mix it with can be tailored to your specific skin type and concerns. A good rule of thumb is to avoid using metal bowls or spoons when preparing the mask.

For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of multani mitti powder with enough rose water or lemon juice to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Apply the mask to your face, let it dry for about 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. This combination helps to control oil and fight bacteria.

For Normal or Combination Skin: Mix multani mitti powder with a combination of rose water and a touch of honey or yogurt. The honey and yogurt provide a moisturizing and soothing effect, balancing the clay’s oil-absorbing properties.

For Dry Skin: While multani mitti is primarily for oily skin, it can be used on dry skin if mixed with hydrating ingredients. Use a liquid like milk, aloe vera juice, or honey instead of water. This will help to prevent the mask from stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

General Application Steps:

Cleanse: Start with a clean face to remove any surface dirt and makeup.
Mix: In a bowl, mix the multani mitti powder with your chosen liquid until you get a smooth, lump-free paste.
Apply: Apply the mask evenly to your face, avoiding the delicate areas around your eyes and lips.
Wait: Allow the mask to dry for about 10-15 minutes. It should feel tight, but do not let it become completely dry and cracked, as this can be too harsh.
Rinse: Gently rinse the mask off with lukewarm water, massaging in circular motions to take advantage of its exfoliating properties.
Moisturize: Pat your face dry and follow up with a moisturizer to rehydrate and lock in moisture.

It is generally recommended to use a multani mitti mask 1-2 times a week. Overuse can potentially lead to dryness or irritation, especially on dry or sensitive skin.