If you have visited Morocco before, you may have come across the concept of a Hammam spa. An old beauty secret and a ritual that goes back several centuries. A typical Hammam spa begins by massaging your body with Ghassoul/Rhassoul, (a natural clay extracted from the Atlas Mountains), mixed with water or rose water to form a paste. It works wonders for your skin due to its natural cleansing and detox properties.
Many of our customers and followers ask questions about the clay, which is why we have collected the most frequently asked questions below with a short and in-depth answer. We hope you will find an answer to your question about the miracle detox clay. Enjoy.
Ghassoul or Rhassoul? What word should I use?
First of all - let's get the word right! You can use both words. The word rhassoul comes from the Arabic word for washing (Rhassala). The Moroccans spell it a little differently: Ghassoul. When you pronounce the word, it might sound the same. We use the word Ghassoul because we collaborate with our female Moroccan cooperative.
What is ghassoul powder?
Ghassoul clay contains natural minerals from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and can only be found there. It is also known as lava clay, oxide clay, soap clay and the list is long.
The clay is formed by a natural combination of volcanic activity and geothermal changes. Ghassoul is a completely unique clay that is very different from all other types of clay. Where other types of clay are formed by plants, lakebeds, soil conditions, etc. Ghassoul clay consists of brownish Moroccan clay that has been "mixed" with lava, which is why the clay is also called volcanic clay or lava clay.
Ghassoul clay has been underground for millions of years in the Atlas Mountains, where the clay and lava have been mixed under pressure. This completely unique constellation means that the clay has absorbed lots of minerals from the lava, which give the clay unique and special properties - good for both hair and skin.
Ghassoul is dug up from the underground in large blocks. Some blocks can weigh from a hundred kilos and up to a ton. When the clay is picked up, it is usually a bit dark brown. This is because the clay is moist. Therefore, the clay is processed, it is a fairly simple process to go through the clay, as nothing has to be added or removed. Actually just dried and powdered. This is why you mostly find ghassoul clay in a dry state where you have to add liquid yourself to form a paste.
The clay has been mined and used since the 8th century and has been used by Moroccan women for centuries in beauty rituals for hair and skin.
Usually you buy the clay dry and if stored properly (don't add liquid) it has a long shelf life. The Moroccan women mix the dry Ghassoul clay powder with liquid and use the mixture as a face, hair and body mask or body scrub combined with the traditional and famous kessa glove. The glove exfoliates and helps remove dead skin cells. Often the women finish by soothing the skin and hair with rose water and argan oil. Your skin and hair are left clean, smooth and with an irresistible glow.
What are the benefits of ghassoul clay?
Ghassoul clay boosts a high negative charge and helps draw out blackheads and other impurities from the skin. This also makes it beneficial as a versatile face wash for everyday use. The clay is soothing and of high quality for external use.
This untreated and naturally dried clay has a silk-like texture and can help improve your skin tone and reduce pigmentation. It has the unique ability to both nourish the skin and reduce breakouts. People use it daily as a natural soap and shampoo. Several clinical studies and tests of Ghassoul clay found that the clay can increase:
- The elasticity of the skin and hair
- Remove toxins and build-up of makeup products
- Increase skin tone
- Reduce pigmentation spots and blackheads
- Reduce dryness or peeling of skin and hair
- Unclog the pores of the face and scalp
- Leave skin and hair soft and nourished
Ghassoul/ Rhassoul clay vs. other natural clays?
Ghassoul/Rhassoul clay is higher in minerals than many other types of clay, especially magnesium, silica and potassium, making it particularly good for skin, hair and nails. The clay can be used daily in place of soap for a gentle and 100% natural way to cleanse that won't strip your skin of beneficial oils.
How to use Moroccan ghassoul clay?
The clay has a soapy consistency when you add or mix liquid with it. It also has a unique ability to draw impurities from the skin and hair and is used to detoxify, cleanse and reduce dryness.
As previously mentioned, the Moroccan women traditionally buy the powder at the market and mix it with a liquid, e.g. water or rose water to form a paste. Then they use the mixture as a face, hair or body mask. You can use it as a face scrub or let it dry (it dries very quickly) and then wash it off with water.
If your skin feels out of balance or you experience skin problems, don't worry because we are here to help you and your skin. Try our delicious clay mask with Ghassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains. Give your skin just 5 minutes. detox treat! >>READ MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCT<<
We've designed the ultimate clay mask for you who have problems with acne or blackheads or dryness OR for you who simply want to improve your skin's elasticity and skin tone with the beneficial and natural superpowers of Ghassoul clay. In addition to the wonderful Ghassoul clay, we have also mixed Moroccan green clay, which is known for its ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells.
In addition, we have also added a bit of healing tea tree oil to the clay mask for an extra detox/cleansing effect. Tea tree oil can also be a powerful and natural weapon against acne. Studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne.
You can use our organic clay mask as an everyday cleanser in a thin layer or treat yourself to a wellness treat and let the mask dry for 5-10 minutes - depending on the amount of clay you add. We recommend an even layer.
This is what our customers say about our clay mask:
"AURI's clay mask is my weekly wellness treat, where my skin is allowed to recharge. It helps me get rid of blackheads. The clay mask leaves my skin soft and radiant.” — Kim Andersen, Copenhagen ★★★★★
“The clay mask has a fantastic texture and scent. When I wash it off, it leaves my skin feeling fresh and firm. I can really see a difference, especially that my pores seem smaller.”
— Zaza Emilie, Gentofte ★★★★★
"The cold and dry winter air is hard on my face, but AURI's amazing clay mask does the job, combined with Facial Oil, both keeps my delicate skin healthy and nicely moisturised. The face oil has also reduced the amount of pigment changes on my forehead that came with my last pregnancy." - Helle Plagborg, Skanderborg ★★★★★