Rhassoul clay, is a natural mineral clay that can only be found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Mined and used by women in the country for centuries, it’s formed through geothermal activity and known for its extraordinary ability to draw out impurities from the hair and skin.
The naturally dried clay is completely untreated and has a silk-like feel that offers a wide range of benefits to the skin and hair, many of which have been scientifically proven through clinical studies and testing. Since the 8th century it’s been used as a shampoo, soap and skin conditioner, and today, some of the world’s finest spas are utilizing it for its many therapeutic benefits. Romans admired the clay for its skin preserving and healing properties, while Greeks utilized it to cure all sorts of ailments. In North Africa, it’s been a popular beauty product for over a century.
As this rare clay has only been thrust into the spotlight in North America, there are still many who don’t know much or anything at all about it, which is why we’ve put together this total guide to Rhassoul clay. After you start using it, we pretty much guarantee you’ll be wishing you’d known about it long ago.
What Makes Rhassoul Clay Different
Like Bentonite Clay, Rhassoul clay swells when water is added to it. They both draw toxins from the body and help to remove product buildup from hair, but Rassoul adds more moisture and softness to the skin and hair, as well as reducing irritation and inflammation. Bentonite is more absorbent but it can also be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. Rhassoul has an even higher level of silica, potassium, and magnesium in addition to providing a negative charge that helps it to better draw out blackheads and impurities from the skin.
Most clays are fairly inexpensive, especially when ordering in bulk. While Rhassoul tends to fall in at the top of the price range, you only need a very small amount so it lasts for a long time – one pound can last longer than a year, even with regular use. While some clays can be used internally, Rhassoul is only meant to be used externally, but unlike Bentonite clay, it doesn’t contain any lead and can be used as a substitute in recipes like face and hair masks as an alternative to Bentonite.
Uses For Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay can be used like most other clays. Just some of the options include:
- Face Scrub
- Face Mask
- Full Body Mask
- A Natural Shampoo
- Dandruff Fighter
- As part of a massage
- Hair Mask
- Deep Hair Conditioner
- Massaged in to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints
Benefits Of Rhassoul Clay
Here’s the detailed scoop on how Rhassoul clay can benefit your hair and skin.
1. Exfoliating Dead Skin Cells
If you’re cleansing, moisturizing, and slathering on the sunscreen, you may think you’re doing everything you can to protect your skin’s health, but if you aren’t exfoliating, your skin isn’t as healthy as it could be. Exfoliation is one of the most important aspects of your home skincare routine. It not only helps many different skin issues, it also boosts blood circulation, which in turn helps you to achieve healthy and glowing skin. Rhassoul clay has a mildly abrasive texture that makes it great for exfoliating those dead cells from the surface of the skin to leave it soft and smooth.
2. Deep Cleaning & Purifying The Pores
Just washing your face really isn’t enough to keep those pores clean and unclogged, and when dead skin cells block oil from flowing freely through the pores, pimples and blackheads are often the results. That’s why a deep cleansing is really a necessity. Fortunately, the texture and molecular structure of Rhassoul clay make it extremely efficient at this task, helping to suck out that grime, dirt, pollution and other impurities from deep within the pores.
3. Battling Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, it can often lead to blackheads, zits and the like. Due to the absorbent nature of the clay, it can soak up surface oils, as well as sebum that’s stuck deep in the pores to prevent breakouts.
4. Soften Rough, Dry Skin On The Knees & Elbows
Despite being protected by clothing a lot of the time, the skin on the knees and elbows tends to get really dry. One of the reasons for this is that the joints apply pressure to that thin-skinned area. Rhassoul clay is a lifesaver for those rough dry patches, and it can also help if you’re suffering from painful, unsightly cracked heels.
5. Tightening Large Pores
As you age, your skin begins to lose collagen and elastin, which are the building blocks essential for tight, small pores and a beautiful complexion. That tends to cause sagging, which scientists believe is why the pores tend to shift from around to a more droopy, teardrop shape. A substance like Rhassoul clay can strengthen and firm pore walls, reduce their diameter and help restore a circular appearance, thanks to its natural astringent properties.
Read Next: Homemade Green Tea & Aloe Skin Toner To Tighten Pores, Remove Excess Oil & More
6. Detoxifying The Skin
Clays are well-known for their ability to detoxify, but Rhassoul clay takes that to a whole new level with its high level of ion exchange. Rhassoul clay naturally has a powerful, negative electromagnetic charge, while the majority of toxins under your skin have a positive charge. This makes treatments using this clay ideal for drawing out impurities and detoxifying your skin. It’s able to draw out not only sebum, dirt, and grime, but toxins and wastes that clog the skin’s pores.
7. Soothing Skin Irritations
Rhassoul clay provides a soothing effect on the skin that helps to calm inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Many skin conditions are caused by inflammation and irritation, classified under the term eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is associated with redness, itching, dryness, scaly spots, flaking, and in severe cases, even cracking or bleeding. When Rhassoul clay is used on the affected area, you’ll typically find immediate relief, thanks again to the powerful negative electromagnetic charge which draws out impurities and toxins to help heal the problem. With regular use, you’re likely to find symptoms less likely to reappear as well.
8. Fight Dandruff
As Rhassoul clay is an excellent exfoliator and absorber, it helps to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells while balancing the natural balance of sebum secretion on the skin to help fight dandruff.
9. Acts As A Natural Shampoo
The clay makes one of the best natural shampoo alternatives as it gently cleanses without the strong alkalinity of many “no-poo” shampoos. It contains a high level of saponins which are natural cleansing agents found in certain plant materials which form somewhat of a lather when mixed with water. It gives hair an extra bounce without the dry, too squeaky feeling most typical store-bought shampoos provide with all of their chemical ingredients.
Read Next: 8 Best Natural & Organic Shampoos + Why You Should Stop Using Store Bought
10. Conditions & Detangles Hair
One of the best conditioners and detanglers there is, Rhassoul clay makes hair especially soft and silky, and more manageable too with tangles easily brushed away. Its potent moisturizing and remineralizing properties truly make it unbeatable by giving your hair the extra shine and silkiness you’ve been looking for.
Recipes:
Rhassoul clay can be used in many different recipes to benefit your skin and health, including these.
1. Relaxing Detoxification Bath
Run a warm bath and while the water is running, combine a cup of Rhassoul clay, 10 drops of pure peppermint essential oil and 10 drops of pure lavender oil. Pour it under the running water and then allow it to disperse. Soak for 20 minutes, or as long as you’d like to enjoy the wonderfully relaxing, detoxifying effects.
2. Soothing Skin Mask
Combine two teaspoons of Rhassoul clay with just enough full-fat coconut milk to make a paste. Apply it to any areas of irritation on the skin, such as an eczema rash or breakouts. Allow it to thoroughly dry and then rinse with cool water.
3. Exfoliating Scrub
Combine 1/4 cup grapeseed oil, 2 tablespoons Rhassoul clay and 1/4 cup Epsom salts in a mason jar, or similarly lidded glass jar. Add 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil and then stir until well-mixed, forming a soft but gritty scrub. Gently apply it to your face using circular motions and then rinse thoroughly with cool water before moisturizing.
4. The Ultimate Mud Wrap
Combine 1/4 cup Rhassoul clay with enough whole milk to form a paste that looks similar to mud. Rub the paste all over any rough, dry areas on your skin, like the heels, knees, elbows and so on. Allow it to remain for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
5. Pore Tightening Cleanser
In a clean, lidded container, combine two tablespoons of Rhassoul clay, 1/2 cup oatmeal and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. To use, place about a teaspoon of the mixture onto the palm of your hand and just enough water to create a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your face using deep circular motions and then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
6. Pore Purifying Mask
Combine one tablespoon of Rhassoul clay with 2 drops of tea tree essential oil. Add just enough water to form a paste. Apply the mixture onto your skin and allow it to dry thoroughly before rinsing with cool water.
7. Natural Rhassoul Clay Shampoo
Combine 1/4 cup of Rhassoul clay in just enough rose water to form a paste. Add 6 to 8 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil and then stir to mix well. In the shower, wet your hair and then massage the paste into your scalp, working your way to the ends of your hair. Rinse with cool water.
8. Dandruff Be Gone
In a bowl, combine one tablespoon of Rhassoul clay, two teaspoons apple cider vinegar and just enough water to form a paste that has a medium consistency. It shouldn’t be too watery, nor should it be too thick. Next, add seven drops of tea tree oil, and then mix again. Use the results as a hair mask, covering your scalp thoroughly and then leaving it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing well.
9. Super Conditioning Hair Mask
Combine two tablespoons of organic coconut oil, two tablespoons of raw honey and two tablespoons of Rhassoul clay. Slather it onto your hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse well with cool water. Your hair will come out soft, silky and tangle-free.
10. Balancing Oily Hair Mask
If you have oily hair, this mask is a great one for getting it more balanced, leaving it soft and silky but not greasy. Simply combine three tablespoons of Rhassoul clay with one tablespoon of raw honey, the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon and three tablespoons of warm, but not hot, water. Combine the raw honey, lemon juice and warm water in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add the Rhassoul clay, mixing until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Apply the mixture to wet hair and then gently massage it into scalp and throughout your hair. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing well with cool water.
11. No-Poo Dry Shampoo
Shampooing every day is far too harsh on your hair. It not only damages the ends, but it can cause the hair follicles to loosen and fall out. Using a natural, chemical-free, dry shampoo is a great alternative or keeping your scalp and hair healthy and nourished. To make it, combine 1/2 cup Rhassoul clay with 1/2 cup arrowroot powder in a mason jar or another glass, lidded-jar. Add one teaspoon of cocoa powder (if your hair is platinum blonde skip this ingredient) and seven drops lavender essential oil; mix well. Use a powder brush to apply the dry shampoo to your scalp. Blend it in by brushing your hair until you can no longer see any of the residues. Leave it in and you’re ready to go.