Multani mitti or fuller’s earth is a type of clay that has been used as a beauty ingredient in India for decades. It is a natural substance that is touted to heal acne, reduce blemishes and regulate oil production in the skin. Multani mitti means ‘mud from Multan’ (a city in Pakistan) and was traditionally used to soak up the excess oil from wool because of its absorbing powers. In skincare, it is used to detox skin and is often applied as a mask or a cleanser.
How to use multani mitti according to your skin type
If you have dry skin…Mix multani mitti with ingredients like honey, aloe vera gel, and coconut milk.
If you have oily skin…Mix multani mitti with ingredients like rose water, raw milk, yoghurt, and papaya pulp.
If you have normal skin…Mix multani mitti with ingredients like tomato juice, honey, milk, yoghurt, cream, oatmeal, and more. The options are endless!
What are the benefits of using multani mitti
Multani mitti, if used regularly, can hugely benefit the skin.
• It reduces oil production by absorbing the excess sebum from the surface of the skin.
• It fights acne because of its antibacterial properties.
• It brightens the complexion by removing the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
• It reduces pigmentation by soothing skin.
Some home remedies using multani mitti
For a boost of radiance
What you need:
1 tbsp of multani mitti
1 tbsp honey
1 teaspoon orange peel powder
Method: Mix all the ingredients together and add some rosewater or regular water as needed. Make a smooth paste, apply and wash off when semi-dry.
Honey moisturises skin and orange peel powder contains antioxidants that brighten skin in a jiffy.
For exfoliating
What you need:
1 tbsp multani mitti
1 tbsp ground oats (oatmeal)
Method: Mix the two ingredients and add water as needed to get a scrub-like texture. Apply it on your face and wash off in circular motions when semi-dry.
Oatmeal is incredibly gentle on the skin and along with multani mitti, it helps to get rid of all the gunk in your pores and the dead cells on the surface of the skin. The result? Smooth and supple skin.
For glowing skin
What you need:
1 tbsp multani mitti
2 tbsp tomato juice
1/2 teaspoon sandalwood powder
Method: Mix the ingredients together and apply. Wash off when semi-dry.
Tomato juice may go a long way in helping skin heal and reduce inflammation. Sandalwood has been used to treat skin conditions like acne for centuries as it has antiseptic and soothing properties.
For a cooling effect
What you need:
1 teaspoon multani mitti
1 tbsp rosewater
Method: Mix the ingredients together so you have a runny paste and apply this to your skin. Wash off when semi-dry.
Rosewater works as a natural astringent and gets rid of excess oil from the surface of the skin. Along with multani mitti, it works to regulate sebum production.
For some moisturising
What you need:
1 tbsp multani mitti
1 tbsp cucumber juice
1 tbsp milk
Method: Mix all the ingredients together and apply. Wash off when semi-dry.
Cucumber juice soothes acne-prone skin and hydrates it and milk moisturises it.
Side effects of using multani mitti
Multani mitti absorbs moisture and oil from the skin at a very quick rate which can often lead to dehydrated skin. This is why it is best to wash it off when it is semi-dry. If you have very dry, sensitive skin that is prone to flaking, it is best to avoid this beauty ingredient. If you have dry skin, add nourishing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and honey to the mix. These can soothe skin and prevent inflammation.
Multani mitti must only be applied topically and should never be ingested as it can lead to kidney stones, intestinal bleeding, and poisoning.
What to keep in mind while using multani mitti
• It is advisable to not use this beauty ingredient every day as it can strip skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. Stick to using it once or twice a week at the maximum.
• Wash it off when it is semi-dry as leaving it on for too long can lead to dehydrated skin.
Conclusion
Multani mitti is a wonder ingredient that has been used in India for centuries. It does everything from absorbing excess grease on the skin to treating acne. But, like all skincare products, it should it patch tested on your arm or under your ear before you apply it to your face.
FAQs
Does multani mitti have an expiration date?
Multani mitti doesn’t have an expiry date but if you notice a change in the smell or colour or the presence of any bacteria growth, it is advised to dispose of it.
When can I use multani mitti?
You can use it on cleansed skin in the day or night time.
Do I need to moisturise after using multani mitti?
Yes. Multani mitti can be drying on the skin so it is best to moisturise immediately after to prevent irritation. Make sure you also apply sunscreen to keep damage at bay.
How do I store multani mitti?
Store it in an airtight container in a clean, dark place.
How do I know if the multani mitti I have is pure?
Multani mitti has a tan colour and smells very earthy and muddy.