Stories / All about... / All about Rhassoul
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When you hear the word "hammam", you probably think of beauty treatments or "rhassoul".

When you hear the word "hammam", you probably think of beauty treatments or "rhassoul".

But how much do you really know about this incredibly beneficial powder?

Did you know that Morocco is the only region in the world with a Rhassoul deposit? Did you know that there is only one Rhassoul deposit on the planet?

We tell you all about it: WAAM is on the case!

Identity sheet

Names: Moroccan Lava Clay, Hectorite, Ghassoul

Origin: Morocco

Composition: Magnesite silicate

Storage: Rhassoul should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. It should be kept away from sources of heat and protected from light.

Precautions : When preparing Rhassoul-based recipes, be careful not to use metal containers or utensils. These can alter the ionic properties that give Rhassoul its absorbent and adsorbent properties, so highly prized in cosmetics. And once Rhassoul has been mixed with water, it must be used immediately. Your Rhassoul and water-based recipes are therefore for single use only.

If Rhassoul comes into contact with the eyes, rinse for several minutes, keeping eyelids apart. If swallowed, rinse mouth.

What is Rhassoul?

The name " Rhassoul " comes from the Arabic word "rassal", which means "to wash". The name "rhassoul" is therefore self-explanatory. Some even call it "washing earth". In the plains bordering the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, there is a single deposit from which Rhassoul is extracted.


This is the Tamdafelt deposit, south of the city of Fès. Traditionally, it is extracted using pickaxes. Rhassoul is a natural mineral clay derived from volcanic rock. This montmorillonite clay (magnesium aluminum silicate) is very rich in minerals.
It contains silicon, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium, among other minerals. Rhassoul is brown, light gray or dark gray. Its color varies according to its mineral content.


History, origin and culture

In Morocco, brides are given milk or henna to adorn their hands and feet, but also... Rhassoul.

Rhassoul has a very special symbolism. Traditional and natural, it has many properties. It beautifies women and is much appreciated. The bride will be using this clay as she prepares for this important event.

Origins and traditions of Rhassoul in Morocco

Rhassoul is thought to have been mined as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries. However, there is evidence of its use by the Egyptians and Romans.

Its virtues were therefore already known long before Rhassoul was regularly mined. In Morocco and Tunisia, Rhassoul is part of the traditional beauty heritage. It is an indispensable part of the Hammam ritual.
Women carry their exfoliating horsehair gloves, their black soap and, of course, their Rhassoul. Recipes for preparing and using Rhassoul are handed down from mother to daughter.

Rhassoul in figures

  • 27,000 hectares: The size of the Tamdafelt Rhassoul deposit in Morocco
  • 2,700 tons: The average number of tons of Rhassoul produced each year.

How to obtain Rhassoul?

How to obtain Rhassoul?

Rhassoul extraction

Extracted from the ore and then dried in the sun, Rhassoul undergoes no chemical treatment and contains no preservatives. It is then sold in the form of clods of earth, small plates (called "m'siek" in Arabic) or crushed and reduced to a fine powder.
Mixed with water, this natural powder produces a brown paste with washing properties. You may ask: But how can a mineral powder wash so well?

Well, it's possible thanks to what's known as "saponin". This cleansing agent, found in our soaps, washes the skin without damaging the hydrolipidic film (the sebum barrier that protects the skin from irritation and other external aggressions).

What makes Rhassoul so special?

First of all, this natural product is special because, as we saw earlier, it's only found in one place on our big, beautiful planet Earth.

Secondly, unlike many other powders and clays, Rhassoul is hydrophilic. In other words, it has a great capacity to absorb water. It can also absorb sebum from the skin, for example (ideal for oily skin and hair!)

But that's not all: in addition to being absorbent, it's also adsorbent! This mineral "catches" and then "eliminates" impurities. Rhassoul's high mineral content has beneficial properties for skin and hair. Last but not least, Rhassoul contains no surfactants for gentle yet effective cleansing. It represents an entirely natural, ecological and healthy alternative for washing skin, hair or even clothes.

Benefits

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Face

  • Deeply cleanses the skin
  • Absorbs excess sebum
  • Softens skin
  • Eliminates impurities
  • Tightens facial pores
  • Purifies skin

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Hair

  • Detoxifies the scalp
  • Fights dandruff
  • Absorbs excess sebum
  • Coats fine hair
  • Strengthens hair
  • Soothes scalp irritation

How do I know if my Rhassoul is of good quality?

Rhassoul is highly appreciated and marketed worldwide. However, not all Rhassoul sold is created equal. A good product will often be more effective and take less time to generate effects following its use. So how do you tell the difference between a good Rhassoul powder and one of lesser quality?

First of all, the color of Rhassoul is not an indicator of quality. It depends on the quantity of minerals present in the Rhassoul. However, you can find out before you buy. Your powder must not contain any harmful chemical substances and must be of organic origin. You'll also be able to observe its qualities and effects after application. Unless you have an allergic reaction, using Rhassoul should not cause skin or scalp irritation.


Applications

Only

For the skin

Rhassoul is most often used as a mask.

Application:
Simply apply your mixture to the skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes. It will then dry. You can then rinse it off.

For your hair

As well as helping to cleanse your hair, Rhassoul will detoxify your scalp. This makes it much more receptive to the hair care products you apply. It effectively combats dandruff.
It also strengthens hair, particularly if it's dry and/or devitalized.

Application:
Rhassoul can be applied to the hair as a mask.

Mix the powder with mineral water to form a paste. Apply it to the roots. Remember to massage or rub the scalp with your fingers as you apply it.
Be careful not to let your mask dry out. It's important that the mixture remains moist. To make rinsing your Rhassoul hair mask easier, you can also use a conditioner to remove any remaining powder.

Rhassoul can be used by all skin types, but is particularly popular with combination and oily skins. It absorbs excess sebum, deep-cleanses the skin and even removes blackheads. It therefore has a purifying and softening effect. As Rhassoul is a gentle natural cleanser, it can be safely used on sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin.

Rhassoul is suitable for all hair types; but if you have dry hair, it's best to use it only on your scalp and roots.
People with oily hair will particularly appreciate Rhassoul, as it absorbs excess sebum and helps to space out shampoos. Fine hair or hair lacking volume will be sheathed.

What products should I use with Rhassoul?

Rhassoul is most often used as a mask. You can mix it with mineral water, floral water or Aloe Vera juice.
Rhassoul also works well with vegetable oils, which you can adapt to your needs.
(For example, argan oil will help nourish dry skin, while tea tree oil will purify the skin...)

Application: Simply apply your mixture to the skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes. It will then dry. You can then rinse it off.

You can use it with floral waters, vegetable oils or essential oils.


FAQ

Maternity ward
Is this product suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

Yes, Rhassoul has no particular contraindications.

Use
What can I mix Rhassoul with?

You can add vegetable oils, agents such as glycerine or floral waters to your Rhassoul-based recipes.

Does Rhassoul dry out the hair?

It can actually dry them out slightly. We recommend mixing it with vegetable oil, a neutral base or a hair mask to remedy this.

Quality
Does WAAM Rhassoul contain any other ingredients?

This product contains only Rhassoul and nothing else.

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