Since the clay comes in powder form, you'll need to combine it with a liquid to create a paste. The label suggests mixing with equal parts of either water or apple cider vinegar as a base. Both work, though you might just want to give the ol' ACV a try: The acidity of the apple cider vinegar can help neutralize the pH of the clay, while also creating a smoother texture (with water, the clay is more prone to clumping).
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Where should you mix it?
Some websites say that you shouldn't mix the clay in a metal bowl, claiming that it could mess with the mask's magnetic field... strange, right? Well, chances are, you don't have to worry about that: As cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller explained to Allure, the metal has no effect whatsoever in the clay's ionic charge. So mix away in the container of your choosing!
Aside from the its main purpose, which is to deep cleanse the pores, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay actually comes with a whole host of benefits, such as fighting off bacterial skin infections, healing wounds, reducing inflammation and soothing sunburns, insect bites, eczema and psoriasis.
Luckily for us all, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is quite the multi-tasker: Turns out, you can also use it to wash your hair — just apply it to your mane the same way you would to your face, and get ready to enjoy soft, clean hair.
Image via Imaxtree
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Are there any downsides?
If you use this product according to its directions (and patch test — always be sure to patch test!), it shouldn't have any ill effects on your skin. However, it can be poisonous when ingested, so take care when (or, indeed, if) you decide to use it as a homemade toothpaste. Also, make sure to watch out for fakes: Due to its popularity, numerous frauds are circulating knock-offs which can be very dangerous to your skin — yikes.
