Bentonite Me Baby Lead Poisoning Concerns Results in FDA Warning

Amid concerns about a potential risk of lead poisoning, federal health regulators issued a warning late last week about a popular bentonite clay product, known as Betonite Me Baby, which reportedly contains high levels of lead. 

The FDA issued a “Benotnite Me Baby” lead poisoning warning after the Minnesota Department of Health informed the agency that the clay beauty product may expose users to lead, which is known to carry a risk of damage to the kidneys, central nervous system, and immune system.

Lead exposure among children, even at low levels, may cause impaired cognitive function, reduced IQ, and behavioral difficulties.

The FDA warns that the label of Bentonite Me Baby indicates the clay can be ingested and applied topically to hair and skin. However, Alikay Naturals, the manufacturer, issued a press release saying, “Alikay Naturals is an all-natural luxury hair, skin, bath and body product line specifically advertised for topical use.”

The FDA has not confirmed any cases of lead poisoning associated with the Bentonite Me Baby product.

Not For Ingestion

An Alikay Naturals press release issued by the manufacturer in response to the FDA warning indicates that the initial report filed with the FDA was closed due to “consumer alleged falsification of facts and statements.”

The Florida district of the FDA announced the office would open a separate investigation into the lead claims about the product.

Alikay asserts the FDA investigated Bentonite Me Baby as a food or drug, despite advertisements that recommended the product be used topically as a detoxifier for the skin and hair, and not internally, as the FDA is stating.

Rochelle Graham is the CEO of Black Onyx World, LLC and the creator of the Alikay Naturals line of beauty products, she is also a vlogger who began her career offering beauty and hair care tips on YouTube. Graham said in the press release that she has never recommended, on any company or YouTube videos, that Bentonite Me Baby be used on children or that it may be ingested internally.

Alikay Naturals said the FDA tests that were conducted on the product, tested Bentonite Me Baby the same way candy and food products are tested, for internal use, not topical.

The FDA recommends consumers should not purchase the product, which is sold online and in national retail stores, including Target, Sally Beauty Supply and Amazon.com. It also says anyone who has used it or given it to a child should consult their doctor.

Alikay Naturals said they have not received any reports of side effects or complaints of elevated levels of lead following the FDA warning. They also plan to have the clay tested for lead by an independent laboratory.

Bentonite Me Baby is made from aged volcanic ash and is marketed as a medicinal clay. Many consumers use it as a mask for both the hair and face. Other health bloggers have recommended the clay be used for both topical and internal uses to detoxify the body. However, Alikay Naturals does not support internal uses of Bentonite Me Baby.