Rhassoul Clay

Rhassoul clay is an exquisitely soft mineral-rich reddish-brown clay only found in the fertile Atlas mountains of Eastern Morocco. It is formed from volcanic ash within the valleys of the mountain range. Quarry mined underground, it is then naturally sun dried, refined, and micronized resulting in a smooth, silken earth. Sometimes referred to as Moroccan red clay or rhassoul clay, rhassoul clay translates from Arabic as to wash and is primarily used culturally as a cleansing product. Rhassoul clay is type of stevensite, a magnesium-rich clay that contains a plethora of other minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, sulfite, and silica. These minerals give rhassoul clay unique beautifying properties in both skincare and haircare formulas. In fact, rhassoul clay has the largest variety of minerals in the clay family. Thus, rhassoul clay is considered a spa-quality clay with a multitude of therapeutic benefits.

Rhassoul clay is part of the smectite family of clays (along with bentonite). Smectite clays have the ability to expand when exposed to a liquid (like water or hydrosol), and thus make an excellent thickening agent in personal care product formulas. Smectite clays also have a distinctive structure which allows for a greater absorption of oils and toxins. As rhassoul clay lifts oil and dirt, it can also infuse its skin-conditioning minerals which strengthen and support skin s natural barrier.

Rhassoul clay works similarly when used as a hair mask cleansing impurities from the scalp as well as absorbing excess oil. The natural minerals in rhassoul clay, like silica, works as an exfoliant and gives hair a glossy sheen. There is some anecdotal evidence which claims rhassoul clay conditions hair and restores its volume.

Rhassoul clay s cleansing, detoxifying, and remineralizing properties pair well with astringent hydrosols and restorative essential oils. Replacing the water portion of a clay s formula with a hydrosol will greatly augment its natural benefits.

Rapid Detox Facial Mask:

3-1/2 teaspoons rhassoul clay

1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

5 teaspoons cornflower hydrosol

1 drop myrrh essential oil

1 drop pink lotus absolute

Witch hazel, sweetgrass, rosehip, cornflower, myrrh, and myrtle all make excellent water-replacing hydrosols in a rhassoul clay formula. Essential oils of myrrh, frankincense, sandalwood, cypress, violet leaf, and pink lotus further augments the detoxifying benefits of rhassoul clay.

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