Multani Mitti Soap Benefits

Author: Balaji Shankar, Jul 27, 2024

Benefits of Multani Mitti Soap

In this article we will study the benefits of multani mitti soap.

Executive Summary (Key Takeaways)

1. Natural Exfoliation 2. De-tan (removes pigmentation marks as well as sunburns) 3. Deep cleansing 4. Cleans and expands skin pores 5. Balances the sebum of oily skin 6. Treats acne marks and blemishes 7. Cooling & Soothing

What is Multani Mitti?

Multani mitti is a type of clay that is highly water/liquid absorbant. It got its name from the Multan region in present day Pakistan. It is called fuller's earth in the west. It was primarily used in the post production cleaning of wool.

Because of multani mitti's ability to stick itself to anything oily or grimy, it proved to be a very effective cleaning agent of lanolin ,oils and other grubby substances in wool. [Lanolin is wool grease - a wax like substance produced by animals, whose hair was sheared for making wool.), ]

Fullers will knead this clay with water to form a sticky, gooey compound which will then be smeared on wool to remove impurities and oilyness.

There is a difference between the chemical compositions of multani mitti and fuller's earth from other parts of the world. (US produces 70% of fullers' earth in the world).

In a very significant study, the following 17 elements were found in multani mitti [1]

Barium, Cobalt, Chromium, Caesium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sodium, Rubidium, Selenium,Tin, Strontium, Titanium, Vanadium and Zinc. Ingestion of clay is recommended by some therapies , for people with mineral deficiency. However, we are not endorsing or advocating ingestion of multani mitti. It has a high concentration of lead. [2]

On the other hand, these minerals and the fact that multani mitti can bind itself to sebum, allow it to be used for many topical application especially in skin care and hair care. This is our primary area of interest in this article.

What is Multani Mitti Soap?

A soap in which multani mitti is added as an ingredient is called as multani mitti soap. It is not possible to use multani mitti instead of soap. It will not give a wholesome experience. Further, multani mitti has no fat, so a multani mitti soap will have a lower TFM (Total Fatty Matter). If for example your soap has a TFM of 75% and you use a 5% multani mitti soap, then the TFM will be 75*100/105 = 71.4%.

So we should use multani mitti as an additive in multani mitti soap - and add it in moderation.

What are the benefits of Multani Mitti Soap?

All the benefits come from the mitti's (clay) ability to bind itself to dirt, sebum, oil, grime etc . (In addition to quick binding, multani mitti it is also highly washable - so, it delivers a double advantage)

• 1. Natural Exfoliation
• 2. De-tan (removes pigmentation marks as well as sunburns)
• 3. Deep cleansing
• 4. Cleans and expands skin pores
• 5. Sebum balancing of oily skin
• 6. Treats acne marks and blemishes
• 7. Cooling & Soothing

What are the side effects of Multani Mittti?

Multani mitti has no documented side effects when applied topically. However people with dry skin should avoid multani mitti because it can strip away the existing oil in the skin.

Can we use Multani Mitti Soap on Hair?

Yes we can, if your scalp is not dry. Multani mitti, when mixed with ingredients like curd or honey or sesame oil can be very effective in cleaning build-ups and oil. However, if your scalp or hair is dry you should not use multani mitti as it can strip oil in the scalp and hair.

What are some multani mitti recipes for face?

Caution: Do not use multani mitti on a dry skin.

Face pack 1

Mix equal quantities of multani mitti and curd in rose water. Make it into a nice paste and apply it on the face. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with cool water.

Doing this twice a week can add a nice glow to your skin.

Face pack 2

Mix equal quantities of multani mitti and potato water (soak cut potatoes overnight in RO water and then use the water). Make it into a nice paste and apply it on the face. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with cool water.

Face pack 3

Mix equal quantities of multani mitti and papaya fruit pulp. Add rose water as necessary.

Make it into a nice paste and apply it on the face. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with cool water.

Can multani mitti remove tan?

Multani mitti can remove dark spots and blackheads caused by acne or sun-tan. It cannot lighten your skin. Nothing can whiten our skin - topical applicators can only restore our natural skin color.

What are some alternatives to multani mitti soap?

As soap makers we prefer French pink clay (although it is more expensive) over multani mitti. Because it is suitable for all skin types and does not strip away oil. Read about the “Benefits of French pink clay” to know more.

Conclusion

Multani mitti is a beneficial additive to handmade cold process soap. At Doodle Soapery we use french pink clay instead of mitti as a general rule. We also make multani mitti soap if the customer orders it specifically.

[1]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969804312003958
[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257610894_Toxic_element_composition_of_multani_mitti_clay_for_nutritional_safety

At Doodle Soapery we make the finest organic, cold process, handmade soaps . All our soaps contain french pink clay as a default ingredient.