Zeolite for the skin: What studies really show about its effects

When skin is irritated, reddened, or overwhelmed—whether due to environmental toxins, minor wounds, or inflammation—we often crave gentle yet effective relief. Zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral, has been valued in naturopathy for centuries. Today, modern research confirms that zeolite can do much more than previously thought.

In this article, you'll learn what scientific studies show about the effects of zeolite on the skin—and why our high-quality zeolite powder can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

What is zeolite – and why on the skin?

Zeolite—we always refer to it as clinoptilolite—is a microporous mineral of volcanic origin. Its crystalline structure acts like a fine-mesh sponge: It can bind pollutants, excess oil, germs, and even heavy metals. This makes zeolite ideal for external use on skin—especially when it's irritated, dirty, or inflamed.

We've compiled this list for anyone who wants to know more and explore the current research. It's also for those who want to develop their own opinion and stance on this mineral. There's so much superficial and sometimes even inaccurate information online—so I urge you to develop your own instincts.

Wound healing: Safety & tolerability

Wound treatment and healing is one of the best-researched applications for zeolite.

Study design & results

• In vitro and animal models: Laboratory studies show that clinoptilolite-zeolite can absorb wound exudate and bind bacteria and toxins. In vitro experiments, for example, have shown that zeolite can adsorb not only microorganisms but also bacterial toxins and odor-producing molecules. Animal studies on rodents have shown that clinoptilolite-containing preparations can promote wound healing . For example, in a rat model of burn wounds, zeolite-containing hydrogel layers accelerated healing compared to untreated controls (faster re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, etc.).

• Clinical studies (wound healing): Initial clinical studies indicate that zeolite is safe and well-tolerated in wound treatment. In a prospective, randomized phase I study (open, controlled) in 12 healthy volunteers with artificially created skin wounds, topically purified clinoptilolite tuff (a nearly pure clinoptilolite zeolite in powder form) was compared with standard therapy (NaCl irrigation + dressing).
  
  Results: Zeolite treatment proved to be safe and well-tolerated , with no significant differences in wound healing time or quality compared to standard treatment. However, some histological differences were found: Significantly more macrophages and fewer myofibroblastic cells were detectable in zeolite-treated wounds. Tiny zeolite particles were occasionally detected in the newly formed dermal tissue, without interfering with healing or causing clinical symptoms.
  
  The authors conclude that purified clinoptilolite could be a cost-effective, safe wound therapeutic that supports the healing process. A previous observational study of 33 patients with chronic or infected wounds (mixed acute and chronic) also reported positive trends: The use of clinoptilolite wound powder over several weeks demonstrated a reduction in microbial load and improved wound healing compared to baseline findings. Due to the small sample size, statistical significance was limited, but an antimicrobial effect of the zeolite powder was suspected. Overall, the zeolite powder was well tolerated in this study, with no relevant side effects; a favorable local tolerability profile and few side effects were noted.

• Special wound healing scenarios: Zeolites have also been tested in specific contexts. In a diabetic rat model for poorly healing bone defects (tooth extraction), locally applied clinoptilolite significantly accelerated bone regeneration in the dental socket . The zeolite contributed to improved bone regeneration. This suggests that zeolite may have a positive effect not only on soft tissue but also on hard tissue healing (indirectly via improved wound conditions).
  
  It is important to emphasize that zeolite does not have a miraculous effect on wound healing, but can provide support as an absorbent, antimicrobial wound additive – especially to absorb exudate, bind odor and germs, and promote a moist wound environment.

Sources:

1. A clinical study with 12 healthy volunteers investigated the effect of clinoptilolite powder on artificially created skin wounds.

Study: Deinsberger et al. (2022)
Zeolite type: tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite
Application: Powdered, applied directly to artificially created skin wounds
Process:

• 12 healthy volunteers received small, standardized skin wounds (like a superficial abrasion).

• One side was treated with zeolite, the other with saline solution and dressing (standard therapy).

• Observation over several days.

• Skin samples were also examined under the microscope.

Result:

• Zeolite was as effective as standard treatment.

• No side effects, very good tolerability .

• Microscopic studies showed that zeolite has a positive effect on wound healing, for example, by increasing the number of defense cells (macrophages) in the tissue.

A few zeolite particles were found in the tissue, but without any negative effect .

The result: Zeolite was just as effective as standard medical treatment with saline solution. It was well tolerated, showed no side effects, and under the microscope, there were even indications of an activated immune response, which can support healing.

Here's the original abstract from [Deinsberger et al.]. This also shows the researchers' perspective and because the energy of the study comes across well. So:

"In an aging society, chronic ulcers represent an increasingly relevant health problem, associated with a significant disease burden and rising financial burdens. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need for new, cost-effective therapies that improve the healing of chronic skin wounds.

This prospective, randomized, open-label phase I study investigated the safety and tolerability of topically applied purified clinoptilolite tuff (PCT), consisting primarily of the naturally occurring zeolite mineral clinoptilolite, in artificially created wounds in healthy male volunteers compared to standard of care (SoC).

We found that topical application of clinoptilolite zeolite to acute wounds in healthy male volunteers was safe for therapeutic use. No significant differences in wound healing or wound condition were observed compared to wounds treated with standard care.

However, we found a significantly higher proportion of CD68-positive cells (macrophages) and a significantly lower proportion of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells (myofibroblasts) in the zeolite-treated wounds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed PCT particles in the repaired dermis in some cases. However, these neither impaired wound healing nor led to clinical symptoms.

Therefore, zeolite could represent a promising, cost-effective wound treatment that promotes the healing process."

This study shows that tribomechanically activated zeolite is safe and skin-friendly —even for minor wounds. Its moisture-binding, irritation-soothing effect is proven.

I think this is a strong argument: Zeolite supports natural skin healing .

What does this mean in practice?

STEINKRAFT LIFEKRAFT Zeolite contains the same type of zeolite—tribomechanically activated zeolite—as used in these studies and offers a natural way to gently soothe sensitive or irritated skin. A very cost-effective alternative to wound treatment. And natural.

2. Observational study in chronic and acute wounds

Study: Becher et al. (2019)
Zeolite type: tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite, as powder
Application: 1–2 times per week on chronic wounds of 33 patients
Process:

• In a dermatologist's office, patients with poorly healing or infected wounds were observed.

• The zeolite powder was sprinkled on the wound and then covered with a bandage.

• Progress documented over several weeks.

Result:

• The wounds often healed better and faster .

• The germ load decreased and the wounds dried out.

• No skin irritation or side effects.

✅ What this means:
The effectiveness of zeolite as a wound protection powder is clearly evident here. Especially in cases of weeping skin, irritation, or even open skin areas (e.g., eczema, neurodermatitis), a high-quality zeolite powder can help soothe the skin and reduce bacteria and odor.

Zeolite for inflammatory skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis)

Inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis) or psoriasis are primarily driven by impaired skin barrier function and inflammatory reactions. Zeolite is being experimentally tested as an anti-inflammatory, adsorbing additive :

• Atopic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis): Until recently, there were no studies on zeolite for atopic dermatitis. However, in 2021/2024, a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (induced allergic skin inflammation) was investigated: clinoptilolite powder applied topically to the skin surface was compared with the standard treatment, tacrolimus ointment.
  
  Results: Both therapies significantly reduced skin inflammation compared to untreated animals. Remarkably, the anti-inflammatory effect of zeolite powder was comparable to that of tacrolimus —clinical skin score improvements and histopathological findings did not differ significantly between the zeolite and tacrolimus groups (with significant improvement compared to the dermatitis-only group).
  
  This suggests that zeolite can reduce inflammatory processes in the skin . The absorption of inflammatory mediators and a protective barrier effect are discussed as possible mechanisms of action. Clinoptilolite, for example, could bind irritating substances or allergens on the skin, thus reducing the immune response. Furthermore , no side effects were observed; the powder was well tolerated (no additional itching or burning). Of course, tacrolimus is a potent immunomodulatory agent – ​​the similar effectiveness of zeolite is promising, but needs to be confirmed in further studies (ideally in humans).

• Contact dermatitis and anti-inflammatory effects: Similar to atopic dermatitis, zeolite could also be helpful in irritant or allergic contact dermatitis by adsorbing toxins or allergens . In the mouse model above, for example, a chemical was used as an allergen; zeolite was apparently able to contain the resulting skin reaction. Furthermore, some physicians and especially our customers report improved wound healing in eczematous, weeping skin areas by dusting zeolite powder—which is plausible, as it binds moisture and exudate and keeps the skin dry. However, systematic clinical data are lacking. In the cosmetic field, zeolite is sometimes incorporated into care creams for sensitive skin , with the promise of binding skin irritants (e.g., heavy metals, environmental toxins) and reducing inflammatory reactions.
  
  For example, a proof-of-concept study investigated the binding of heavy metals by zeolite in skin care : A fine clinoptilolite powder was added to creams that were applied to the skin and then analyzed for bound metal ions (nickel, lead).
  
  Result: Zeolite was able to bind significant amounts of nickel ions from a simulated exposure, suggesting that it can serve as a pollutant filter in anti-pollution creams. This is particularly relevant for people with nickel allergies or in urban, heavy metal-polluted environments. The study (Pesando et al. 2022) thus confirmed that zeolite in cosmetics can capture environmental toxins before they penetrate the skin—a skin-protective effect that could prevent inflammation caused by these substances.

Sources:

🐁 3. Atopic dermatitis study with mice

Study: Turkoglu et al. (2024)
Zeolite type: tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite zeolite in fine powder form
Application: Apply once daily to the inflamed skin
Process:

• Mice were artificially induced to develop “neurodermatitis.”

• One group received the zeolite powder, one group received a cortisone-free medical cream (tacrolimus), and one group received nothing at all.

• Skin changes were assessed (redness, scaling, itching) and examined microscopically.

Result:

• Zeolite was just as effective as the medicated cream.

• Inflammation subsided, skin condition improved.

• No side effects , good skin tolerance.

✅ What this means for zeolite:
Zeolite can have a soothing effect on inflamed, irritated, or itchy skin – without cortisone or synthetic active ingredients . Zeolite powder is a great asset in natural skin care , especially for people prone to atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin. It's a natural and cost-effective, effective treatment for eczema.

🧴 4. Cosmetic study: Zeolite protects against heavy metals (detox effect)

A study investigated how well zeolite in skin creams can bind heavy metals such as nickel or lead.

The result: Zeolite acted like a magnetic protective film, preventing the toxins from penetrating the skin. This is a strong argument for anyone who lives in cities or is sensitive to environmental irritants.

What this means: Zeolite can bind pollutants, fine dust, and irritants before they can harm the skin – ideal for protective care in everyday life.

Study: Pesando et al. (2022)
Zeolite type: Micronized natural clinoptilolite
Application: Incorporated into face creams
Process:

• Cream with and without zeolite was applied to test areas.

• The skin areas were then “exposed” to nickel or lead solution.

• The amount of heavy metal that penetrated or was bound to the skin was measured.

Result:

• The zeolite-containing cream was able to bind significantly more heavy metals than the comparison cream.

• The zeolite acted as a protective shield against environmental toxins .

✅ What this means for our Lifekraft Zeolite:
The zeolite powder not only has a mattifying effect, but can also bind fine dust, heavy metals and other environmental toxins before they penetrate the skin – a real argument for a “detox” or “anti-pollution” care product .

🌿 5. Zeolite as an active ingredient carrier against acne - Ideal for impure skin: Zeolite binds fat and supports antibacterial substances

In laboratory studies, zeolite has been combined with zinc or natural antibiotics to treat acne. The zeolite acted as a carrier system, storing the active ingredients and slowly releasing them. While our zeolite powder doesn't contain any medications, its mineral structure is ideal for supporting essential oils (e.g., tea tree oil) or botanicals. We have a skin powder with organic lavender oil and a hoof powder for horses with organic tea tree oil.

Study: Bonferoni et al. (2007)
Zeolite type: Zinc-enriched clinoptilolite zeolite
Application: As a carrier system for zinc and antibiotics in creams
Process:

• Zeolite was “loaded” with zinc or erythromycin.

• The release of these active ingredients was tested on artificial skin and in ointment bases.

Result:

• The zeolite released the active ingredients slowly and evenly .

• Stable and well tolerated.

• Particularly suitable for long-lasting antibacterial effect .

Conclusion: Effective skin care – gentle, safe and natural

The research is clear: Zeolite has a supportive effect on the skin. Whether it's for minor wounds, itchy spots, environmental stress, or oily skin – the mineral helps the skin regulate itself.

Our zeolite powder contains only high-purity clinoptilolite zeolite of certified quality. It is fragrance-free, preservative-free, and suitable even for sensitive skin. Best of all, its effects are natural—and scientifically proven .

💬 Testimonials *****

"I use the zeolite powder daily for sensitive skin. It has an immediate soothing effect and helps me even with minor skin injuries. I wouldn't want to be without it anymore." – Maria R., 56 years old