Star of the Hammams since the dawn of time, ghassoul clay has recently returned to the forefront with fans of natural and “home” treatments. Less known than green clay, ghassoul - also called Rhassoul, is a sun-drenched clay that sublimates the skin and hair. Here’s everything you need to know about this multifaceted clay.
Rhassoul: What is It?
Also called Ghassoul, Rhassoul is a silica-rich and all-natural mineral clay that has been used for centuries in North Africa. It has been used in the Near and Middle East and is now gaining popularity worldwide. Ghassoul clay is extracted from the deposits of the Atlas Mountains, located in Morocco. It is used for facial and body treatments as well as for hair treatments. Ghassoul also means in Arabic “land that washes”. Like argan oil or black soap, this extraordinary clay is one of the essential elements of the hammam ritual. Ghassoul clay is a true wonder of Nature that has many properties and can be used in a thousand and one ways.
What are the Benefits of Ghassoul Clay?
The unique composition of ghassoul clay gives it beneficial properties, both for the skin and for the hair.
What is it made of?
Ghassoul is a 100% natural rock, very rich in minerals and trace elements, such as iron, magnesium or phosphorus. The many minerals and trace elements that go into its composition make ghassoul clay an incomparable beauty treatment, which cleanses and purifies the skin and hair. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin and hair types. This oriental clay has another major advantage: it contains a large amount of completely natural foaming saponins, which allows it to perfectly cleanse the skin gently and remove all impurities when rinsed.
What are its properties?
An essential ingredient in natural and zero waste care, ghassoul is renowned for its cleansing, exfoliating, soothing, regulating and softening properties. Totally natural, this clay is devoid of surfactants, which is what makes it special. It cleanses and purifies the skin and scalp deeply and gently. It is very effective in removing impurities, without attacking the epidermis or the hair fiber. Ghassoul clay leaves the skin clean, soft and satin and brightens the complexion. She has a strong adsorption and absorption power, which allows it to effectively and durably rid the skin of toxins and impurities. Ghassoul clay products are both beauty and wellness treatments.
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Ghassoul Clay for the Face
Our ghassoul clay is a totally natural ingredient, non-ionized, not irradiated and sun-dried to preserve all its qualities. Whether it is made of ultra-ventilated powder or ready-to-use paste, it does not contain any element from the petrochemical industry that is allergenic or likely to attack the skin. This makes it an ideal care for the skin and especially for the face.
Say Bye-Bye to Impurities
Ghassoul is particularly recommended for facials. This clay is very rich in minerals and trace elements good for the skin. Applied as a mask on the face, it purifies the skin deeply and removes excess sebum, dead cells, as well as all impurities. Totally natural, the ghassoul mask is an excellent care to find a luminous, radiant and spot-free skin. In order to optimize the beneficial effects of ghassoul clay on the epidermis, a few drops of essential oil can be added to the preparation of the mask. The essential oil of tea tee allows, for example, to purify the skin in depth. This combination is ideal for an immediate and long-lasting “anti-imperfection” effect.
To Refine the Skin Texture
Thanks to its slight exfoliating power, ghassoul clay is the ideal product to refine the texture of the skin without attacking it. Thanks to its absorbent power, it eliminates excess sebum and limits the appearance of imperfections of all kinds (pimples, blackheads…). The results are visible in a few applications: the skin is regenerated, revitalized and more homogeneous, the pores are tightened and the shiny appearance attenuated.
Making a Moroccan Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay Facial Mask
Ghassoul Clay for Hair
With stress and pollution, it is often difficult to maintain vigorous, light and shiny hair. Ghassoul clay is the totally natural solution to take care of your hair gently, to be associated without complex with the helichrysum of the Les Simples range.
Applied as a Mask
The rhassoul clay hair mask is an all-in-one treatment: in addition to nourishing and remineralizing the hair, it purifies and cleanses the scalp in depth. Applied only 10 minutes to the entire skull and then rinsed with clear water, it leaves the hair lighter and more flexible. To make your mask, you have the possibility to use our ghassoul clay in tube or to prepare your own dough. If you opt for the “diy” solution, consider using glass or wooden utensils and bowls. Avoid metal that alters the properties of clay. For an even more targeted treatment, it is also possible to add other ingredients such as essential oils, vegetable oils or floral waters from our Les Simples range.
Read also: Using Moroccan Red Clay
Ghassoul Clay as a Dry Shampoo
Less known, and yet of formidable effectiveness, one of the uses of ghassoul clay on hair is “no-poo”. Thanks to its absorbent and adsorbent powers, it is now possible to clean your hair by simply applying a ghassoul clay paste on your entire hair, from the roots to the tips. Massage your scalp for a few moments before doing a thorough rinse. Your hair regresses too quickly between two washes but you do not have time to go through the “shampoo” box? Be aware that you also have the option of using powdered rhassoul clay as a 100% natural dry shampoo. Simply apply ultra-ventilated powder to your roots, lightly massage and then shake your hair (or use the air from a hair dryer!) to remove the powdery look in your hair. Used in dry shampoo, this clay has the advantage of lightening the roots between two classic shampoos. On the principle of dry shampoo, it effectively rids the hair of its impurities gently, without attacking the scalp or the hair fiber. It revives the color and shine of the hair, moisturizes and nourishes it in depth thanks to its many minerals and trace elements, to leave it radiant with vigor and health.
Moroccan Red Clay
Ghassoul is very effective, both for body care and facial and hair care. It is a true universal beauty treatment. It can be used as a mask or shampoo. Our two ready-to-use powder and paste formats are both convenient and easy to use. Finally, know that our ghassoul clay is 100% natural and dried in the sun, which allows to concentrate all its properties unlike drying in the oven, which depletes the material. Red Clay from Georgia to Morocco is extremely high in iron and an effective skin detox. This clay has “super” clay drawing power. It deeply cleanses pores, adds nutrients, stimulates and tones the skin and draw out toxins and impurities that tend to age the skin. Clay facials are a refreshing way to pamper your skin. This clay is a strong cleansing clay that will draw excess oils from the skin, stimulate circulation to the skin, and act as a powerful astringent for oily skin and hair. Once applied to the skin red clay binds impurities and dirt into it’s paste until dried. It’s drawing abilities make it a great toner and cleanser for acne prone, oily, and problem skin.
Moroccan Red Clay is a gentle clay, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Moroccan Red Clay is a mineral rich, reddish clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. High in silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and sodium, this clay is surely one of the best for pampering your skin. Its extraordinary power of absorption makes it more effective than other clays for cleansing, detoxification, and general skin treatment. It can be used as soap, skin conditioner, shampoo, and facial and body mask. It washes like soap and leaves a unique, sweet scent on the skin.
Facial Mask Instructions:
Mix with equal parts apple cider vinegar (preferably raw) or water. It is best to use a glass, pottery, or wooden bowl. Stir the mixture until it is a smooth paste add more clay or liquid as needed. Apply a layer of clay to the face or other areas and let it dry. Drying times vary, but times are generally 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15-20 minutes for normal skin. You will feel a pulling and tightening sensation, deep pore cleansing. Remove clay by washing with warm water. A slight redness may appear after removing the clay. This is normal and will disappear in approximately 30 minutes. Normal-dry skin may use honey, yogurt, cream, milk, or vegetable glycerin instead of water, or can add pureed avocado, cucumber, or a few drops of a carrier oil (such as Jojoba oil) to the mixture. Oily skin may add Witch Hazel extract, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, to the clay mixture.
Rhassoul Clay: Additional Information
Rhassoul clay is used for skin care, hair, and beauty products. There are lots of claims about how it can help your skin, but there isn’t very much research. It’s not a treatment for skin conditions. Rhassoul clay is also called ghassoul clay or red Morrocan clay. It comes from Morocco. People have been using it as a shampoo and soap for centuries. The term “rhassoul” comes from the Arabic word “rhassala,” which means to wash. Generally, clays have minerals like:
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- Calcium
- Aluminum
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Titanium
- Iron
Cosmetics might use clay for anti-caking agents, thickeners, and binders. You can find rhassoul clay in loose powder form, and in face masks, facial washes, shampoo, and hair masks.
Most of the claims for rhassoul clay come from personal experience. There isn’t much research. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist before you try it. It’s not a treatment for health problems. Some people claim rhassoul clay helps against acne. Bacteria plays a role in causing the skin condition, and some natural clays can get rid of certain kinds of bacteria. We don’t know if rhassoul clay fights bacteria, though. In three clinical trials, rhassoul clay seemed to help people with an ostomy pouch avoid getting irritated skin near the surgically made opening in their belly. Don’t use it for this reason unless your doctor tells you to.
Rhassoul clay has detergent properties. It can be used as a washing base for shampoo. You might find it in natural shampoos. The silica in clay might act as an exfoliant for cleansing your scalp. This seems to be especially helpful for oily hair.
Never eat rhassoul clay. It could have bacteria, parasites, viruses, and heavy metals in it. Eating clay could lead to low potassium and muscle weakness, too. It can also affect medicines you take and keep them from working like they’re supposed to.
Precautions
If you’re thinking about using natural clay on your skin or hair, talk to your doctor or dermatologist first. Clay can irritate sensitive skin. Clay masks can also be drying, which can lead to irritation. It’s a good idea to test the clay on a small patch of skin first.
Rhassoul Clay: A Detailed Look
Rhassoul clay is a type of clay that some people use as a cosmetic product for their skin and hair. It’s a brown clay only found in a valley in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. The term “rhassoul” comes from an Arabic word that means “to wash.”
Rhassoul clay hasn’t been extensively studied for its benefits for skin and hair. But it has been used by several different cultures for over a thousand years as a cosmetic ingredient. Sometimes called Moroccan red clay or ghassoul clay, rhassoul clay is a type of stevensite, a magnesium-rich clay that contains other minerals.
Most of what we know about rhassoul clay is anecdotal at this time. But the research indicates that it has some healing properties due to its unique mineral composition. Rhassoul clay is full of metallic elements that carry a negative charge. This magnetic energy draws out positively charged toxins and bonds to them so that when you wash the clay away, the toxins purportedly go with it. For this reason, rhassoul clay is used as a detoxifier for skin and for hair.
Rhassoul Clay for Skin
Rhassoul clay is rich in magnesium and potassium. Anecdotally, many skincare gurus swear that magnesium can be absorbed through your skin barrier to fight acne, cleanse impurities, and improve skin elasticity. There isn’t a lot of clinical research on this, but at least three small clinical trials concluded that skin complications in people who have an ostomy can be treated with rhassoul clay. Researchers suggest that it can act as a protective barrier while eliminating toxic substances to which the skin is exposed.
Rhassoul Clay for Hair
Rhassoul clay contains silica, a component of sand. Natural silica can work as an exfoliant, and also gives hair a glossy sheen. Rhassoul clay may cleanse impurities from the scalp as well as excess oil. At the same time, the exfoliating and conditioning properties of rhassoul clay could work to condition hair and give it volume. Most evidence that rhassoul clay would work for this purpose is anecdotal. A rhassoul clay hair mask coats your hair in minerals like sulfite and magnesium. These minerals may add strength, shine, and softness to your hair.
DIY Rhassoul Clay Mask Instructions
A rhassoul clay hair mask doesn’t require any extra ingredients besides the clay powder and water. If you’d like, you can add other ingredients like honey, rose water, or essential oils after a few tries with a basic version.
Rhassoul Clay Hair Mask
- Read the package instructions of your rhassoul clay to determine how much water you need. On average, rhassoul clay will need about 2 tbsp. of warm water for every 1 tbsp. of clay powder. Four to 5 tbsp. of clay is usually enough for one hair mask.
- Mix the warm water with the clay powder thoroughly, using a wooden spoon. For best results, use a wooden bowl, as a metal bowl may alter the charged particles in the clay.
- Divide your dry hair into sections as if you were going to blow-dry or heat-style it.
- Apply the mask with your fingers starting at the roots of your strands and working back to the tips of your hair. Wear latex gloves to cut down on mess. Pay special attention to your scalp and make sure it’s coated well, too.
- Put a cap on your hair and let the mask soak in for 20 to 40 minutes. You can also use this time to do a rhassoul clay face mask, if you have some clay left over.
- When you’re ready to rinse out the mask, you might want to hop in the shower to keep clay from getting into your eyes or on your clothes. Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water. You shouldn’t have to use shampoo or conditioner after you wash the mask off, but you can.
Rhassoul Clay Face Mask
You’ll use rhassoul clay in a similar way for your face as you would for your hair. After you’ve used the simple hydrated clay mixture a few times on its own, feel free to add your own essential oils and other moisturizing ingredients.
- Read the package instructions to determine how much water you need. On average, rhassoul clay will need about 2 tbsp. of warm water for every 1 tbsp. of clay powder. One tbsp. of clay is probably enough for one face mask.
- Mix the warm water with the clay powder thoroughly, using a wooden spoon. For best results, use a wooden bowl, as a metal bowl may alter the charged particles in the clay.
- Apply the mask with your fingers or a mask brush, avoiding your eyes. You’ll feel the clay begin to dry on your face, and it may crack. This is normal, and you don’t have to add more clay.
- After about 10 minutes, rinse your face well with warm water. Complete your skin care routine as you normally would.
Safety Considerations
Rhassoul clay is safe for most people to use, with some exceptions. If you have an allergy to metallic elements like aluminum or magnesium, avoid using rhassoul clay. If you’re prone to psoriasis on your scalp, eczema, or other chronic skin conditions, be careful when using rhassoul clay. It could dry out or inflame your skin if you currently have symptoms. Discontinue use if your skin becomes dryer, red, itchy, or inflamed. You should never take rhassoul clay internally, for any reason.
You can purchase rhassoul clay at some beauty supply stores and health food stores. Drugstores with an extensive selection of holistic beauty products may have it, too.
Rhassoul Clay vs. Other Clays
Rhassoul clay isn’t the only type of mineral-dense clay that claims to be a detoxifying and conditioning ingredient. Bentonite clay is another type of stevensite from a similar region of the world. The big difference between rhassoul clay and bentonite is that bentonite contains some lead. While the trace amount of lead in Bentonite clay is probably not a big reason for concern, some people might prefer to play it safe and choose rhassoul since they have the same purported benefits.
French pink clay, French green clay, and Dead Sea mud all claim to work with the same basic concept of rhassoul clay, infusing skin and hair with minerals while drawing out toxins. But there’s no objectively “best” or “better” ingredient that works for everyone. You might want try several clays to figure out which kind works best on your hair and skin. Rhassoul clay is simple and easy to use as a DIY hair mask and skin care mask.
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tags: #Moroccan
