Clays are the basic ingredients of natural cosmetics. They are well-tolerated and versatile in cosmetic products. I’ve told about clays more here. Now I want to tell you about one of the most popular clay products, namely Rhassoul clay. Many people are already familiar with Rhassoul clay. As usual, I want to explain things much deeper than just scratching the surface. I will tell you the history of this old, ancient beauty care product. I will also explain why Rhassoul clay is one of the most popular clay products in the world today.
Rhassoul clay, one of the world’s oldest beauty products
Rhassoul clay comes from Morocco. It is mined below the Atlas Mountains. The name Rhassoul comes from Jebel Ghassoul Mountain. Jebel Ghassoul means “a wash mountain”. Rhassoul clay has always been used for washing.
The mining area of rhassoul clay is about 2500 hectares (6200 acres) in Morocco. No mineral product such as rhassoul clay has been found anywhere else in the world.
Rhassoul clay is volcanic rock
Rhassoul clay is actually lava stone. It is a fine powder made out of soft sediment stone by grinding and refining.
Rhassoul clay is contains uniquely good, skin-care mineral composition
Each clay has its own mineral composition. That’s why every clay product is different. Rhassoul clay contains almost 60% silicon and 25% magnesium. The remaining minerals are aluminium, about 2.5%, calcium 2.3%, sodium (table salt) 2.3% and iron 0.5%. Other clays do not contain silicon and level of magnesium not even close comparing to Rhassoul clay. Therefore, this Moroccan clay is a very unique product.
Silicon and magnesium are particularly good for the skin.
They are soothing and healing minerals that are essential for staying healthy. Healthy skin also contains calcium.
Calcium is a very necessary mineral for all of us.
Do you know that healthy skin is rich in calcium? Calcium takes care of skin’s protection and permeability.
Table salt contains 99.8% of sodium, a necessary mineral
The effects of salt in skin care I have told in here. The salt creates an osmotic pressure on the skin. At pressure, the skin is cleaning itself of harmful waste.
Clays are easy to store forever
Buying plenty of clay for future use is not waste of money. Clay is an inorganic substance, a mineral that will last forever. Clay can only be spoiled if it gets wet. If the moisture is pure water, you can dry the clay under the sun and grind again in the mortar to a fine powder.
If the moisture is impure, discard the clay. Of course, you can try to wash the clay right away and then dry it.
If you keep different types of clays in stock for a long time, make sure the bags carry name tags. Use good quality glue for tags. I know this because I’ve lost some tags and I couldn’t separate the qualities anymore. It was really frustrating.
How does rhassoul clay work on the skin?
Rhassoul clay’s minerals are very optimal for the skin. That’s why rhassoul clay has maintained its popularity in beauty care for thousands of years. Rhassoul clay has even been used in ancient Egypt as a medicine to cure ailments.
- Rhassoul clay is a negatively charged mineral. This is important information because this is where rhassoul clay’s ability to absorb waste products from the skin is based. Impurities in the skin are positively charged, so they are attracted by clay.
- Rhassoul clay has the ability to absorb excess oil from the skin. Therefore, it is a good idea to use rhassoul clay regularly on oily skin.
- Rhassoul clay makes the skin surface softer and firmer. This is due to the minerals it contains, such as silicon and magnesium.
- Rhassoul clay reduces the pores and makes the skin look younger.
- Rhassoul clay mask brightens the skin and makes the skin clear. For tired skin, a rhassoul mask is a truly intensive and effective treatment.
- Rhassoul clay like all clays dry the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a few drops of good facial oil to moist the skin after the clay mask. However, the long-term effect of rhassoul clay is moisturizing. Clay minerals take care of the skin and the skin does not dry out so easily.
In North Africa, making rhassoul clay powder is an art
Traditionally in North Africa, the shores of the Mediterranean people have always used rhassoul clay. Each family has had their own stone for making the clay. By grinding and filtering the stone with the help of secret herbs, they have always taken care of their beauty.
The raw, untreated rhassoul powder is washed thoroughly together with orange fruit flowers, lavender, myrtle and chamomile. The washed clay is then sun-dried for a week. The powder is washed again using the same herbs and dried again under the sun until dry. This type of powder has always been part of the hammam tradition (sauna) in North Africa. In addition to rhassoul powder, the Hammam tradition has included black soap, argan oil and Kessa glove.
This kind of herb-refined rhassoul clay powder is also part of the traditional Moroccan wedding ritual. Rhassoul clay is therefore a highly valued product.
I have not found similar, flower-rich powder in Finland. The rhassoul clay powders for sale in Finland are only ground, washed and dried. Or I just haven’t found any retailer yet.
How is rhassoul clay used in cosmetics?
Rhassoul clay can be used in cosmetics just like other clays. You can make a clay face mask by adding
- 2 teaspoons of clay and drops of water until you have an easy-to-apply paste. Rhassoul clay mixes well with water.
- Apply the paste to your face and leave for about 10-20 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water.
- Apply a few drops of good facial oil to moist the skin.
If rhassoul clay feels too strong on your face you can mix desired amount of kaolin clay with it. Kaolin is very mild and usually does not irritate anyone’s skin.
It is not advisable to mix clay masks with anything that you wish to absorb into the skin. Clay works by pulling impurities away from the skin. That’s why I never add oil or any other ingredient to the same mask as clay.
A clay mask is at its best when it is made exclusively from high quality clay and pure water. Pay particular attention to the quality of the clay and water. Simple but high quality is the best option here – as usual.
Do not use metal spoons or mixing bowls with clay. The negative charge of clay is disturbed and the clay is not anymore as effective.
Rhassoul clay’s effect on hair
Traditionally in North Africa, rhassoul clay has been used to treat the face, skin, legs and hair.
Rhassoul clay is very cleansing and caring stuff for the hair. It is rich in silicon and magnesium, which strengthens the hair and scalp. You can make a hair mask from rhassoul clay or use clay for washing your hair.
Traditionally in North Africa, people have used a mixture of rhassoul clay and black soap for hair wash. You can also add rhassoul clay to your regular shampoo.
You can make an effective hair mask from rhassoul clay by mixing it with aloe vera juice. If you do not have aloe vera juice you can use pure water. Aloe Vera makes the mixture more paste-like and more manageable.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of rhassoul clay powder and enough liquid to make an easy-to-apply hair paste.
- Apply the paste thoroughly to the hair, part by part. Do not rub as Rhassoul clay is a mineral and can damage the hair if you rub it.
- Leave for 30 minutes and rinse off under the shower. This mask is especially suitable for oily. It removes excess grease from the hair and prevents hair to become greasy quickly.
Rhassoul clay also effectively cleans the scalp and removes residues of chemicals and air pollution from your hair
I’d love to hear your own experiences with clay, and especially rhassoul clay. Add your message in the comment box below so other readers will benefit from your tips. Thank you!