The first time I read about Rhassoul clay was a few years ago. I was searching on the net for a natural organic body exfoliator and thought I’d treat myself to a pot after reading about how good it was for the skin, face and hair and it was a natural product derived from Africa. Since then, it has become a firm favourite of mine something that I won’t do without. Rhassoul comes from the Arabic word ‘rhassala’ which means “to wash” It’s like giving myself a mini spa something I deserve especially after a week of giving my clients treatments and advice on self-care.
Rhassoul clay is also known as ghassoul comes in different colours from light grey-brown/pinkish tint or there’s Moroccan Red Clay which has a reddish/orange tint.
Natural Organic African Clay
This natural mineral clay is mined from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. You can combine it with warm water or oils like pure organic Argan oil, organic coconut oil, organic neem oil or you could also opt for rose water. It helps keep your skin soft, supple and nourished and free from pimples, spots and blackheads as it deeply cleanses clogged pores and helps tighten them, enhances skin elasticity and firmness, brighten skin tone and help ease dry skin regulating the skin natural oil balance. It can soothe skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. It’s good for all skin types.
The use of Rhassoul dates back to the 8th Century and has been part of North African Women beauty regime to care for their skin and hair. Rhassoul clay is such a prized beauty ingredient that Moroccan Brides are gifted it before their wedding. It contains silica, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and traces of lithium.
Rhassoul Clay Uses
The clay is mainly used in traditional Moroccan Turkish baths. It is also used as a facial mask and poultice for the body. It’s similar to a Western style mud wrap. It helps reduce sebum, gives the skin an all over glow by exfoliating dead skin cells as it has a mild abrasive texture leaving it soft and supple and rebalances the skin. It doesn’t replace your shampoo but if you have greasy hair, it can be applied twice a week and once a week on dry hair and it won’t affect the colour of dyed hair. It will gently clean your hair and scalp without irritation and helps clear and prevent dandruff, improve its elasticity and give it a lovely glossy shine.
Rhassoul clay is ideal for those who prefer a natural way to cleanse without harming the body’s micro flora with the advantage of detoxifying the skin and nourishing it with essential minerals and oils that are used to enhance the clays properties.
Body Mask
I normally use a non-metallic bowl and spoon and add 3 tablespoons of clay powder then add some organic argan oil or coconut oil let it stand for 5 mins then mix the contents till I get the desired consistency then apply to my body and leave on for 20 mins then rinse off with warm water. The clay contains a negative charge and draws out impurities and gives my body a complete detox and leaves my skin feeling very soft, supple and looking radiant.
Face Mask
Rhassoul clay makes an excellent face mask. It helps draw out excess oil and help close open pores and reduce wrinkles. You can substitute the warm water with argan oil, neem oil or use rose water instead for a powerful detox mask.
Add a tablespoon of water
Let it rest for 3-5 minutes then mix
Apply to face and neck and leave on for 10 mins
Rinse off with warm water
Cleanse tone and moisturise as usual.
Hair Care
For hair care the clay is a moisturizer and softener. It helps to reduce dryness whilst removing toxins and product build up. It reduces dandruff and helps in detangling and although it cleans like bentonite clay it leaves your hair soft and moisturised.
Detox Hair Mask
3 tablespoons of Rhassoul Clay
1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon Argan Oil
1 tablespoon of Honey
5 drops of Rosemary Essential oil (Optional)
6 Tablespoons of Water
Add all the ingredients except the water into a bowl, then slowly add the water and stir until you get a liquid consistency not too runny so it’s easy to apply. You can apply on dry hair but it’s much better if your hair is damp. Section your hair then apply the clay all over your scalp and hair. Keep on for 15 mins then rinse with warm water then shampoo as normal.
Your hair will feel soft and look very healthy and glossy.
My favourite Rhassoul clay, Argan oil and Rose Water are by Poppy Austin.
