Historically used by Native Americans for purification and healing.

Bentonite clay is a combination of montmorillonite (hydrous aluminous silicate) and volcanic ash.

This is cosmetic grade powdered clay. It is used to thicken lotions, to suspend makeup pigments, emulsify oils, and to absorb facial oil and reduce shine in makeup lotions, liquid makeup and facial masks.

It is greenish-gray, and is the most absorbent of the clays. Use for oily skin face masks to draw out impurities. Its 'slippery when wet' consistency makes it the ideal clay for shaving soaps. Use 1 TBSP per pound of soap. It is also useful as an oily hair and scalp treatment.

Shaving Soap:

Blend:

4 oz Coconut Oil
1 oz Hemp Seed Oil
5 oz Olive Oil
6 oz Palm Oil
7 oz Chamomile Herbal Tea
2.28 oz Sodium Hydroxide
1 oz Citrus Basil Fragrance Oil
1 tablespoon white bentonite clay

Calamine Soap:

http://www.eaudrey.com/glycerin.htm: (this site has real clear soapmaking instructions)

1 tablespoon calamine powder (or two tablespoons calamine lotion)
1 tablespoon bentonite or cosmetic-grade clay
2 tablespoons liquid glycerin
1 cup glycerin soap base

MIx the calamine, clay, and liquid glycerin until smooth, adding a small amount of water, if needed. Whisk the mixture into the soap base, pour into molds, and cool.
Calamine soap is mild and good for skin irritations, such as poison ivy.

Lavender Body Powder:

http://ozarksoap.tripod.com/ozarksoap/id4.html:

1 cup finely ground dried lavender buds
1 cup bentonite clay
1½ cups cornstarch
lavender essential oil

Whisk the clay and cornstarch together, add lavender buds, then lavender oil. Allow to sit covered in the bowl and then transfer to shaker jar.