Rhassoul

Rhassoul, or ghassoul (Moroccan Arabic: الغاسول‎, romanized: l-ġasul), is a cosmetic made of natural mineral clay mined from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It is combined with water to clean the body and has been used by North African women for centuries to care for their skin and hair. Rhassoul contains silica, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, lithium and trace elements.[1]

For the Algerian municipality, see Ghassoul.

The use of rhassoul dates back to the 8th century. Today, rhassoul is mainly used in traditional Moroccan hammams and in Turkish baths. Along with a glove, or "kessa", Rhassoul is used as a facial mask and poultice to the body. It is similar to a Western-style mud wrap. It is intended to soften the skin, reduce sebum secretion, regenerate the skin by removing dead cells and rebalance the skin by tightening the pores.[2]

Location: The Rhassoul or Ghassoul products come from the only known deposits in the world. These deposits are bordering the middle Atlas chain, in the Moulouya’s valley, 200 km from the Moroccan city of Fes.[3]

"Rhassoul does not replace shampoo, but can be used on greasy hair twice a week, and once a week on dry hair. It will not affect the color of dyed hair."[4]

References
  1. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Beauty Products by Sally W. Trew, Zonella B. Gould
  2. Handbook of Medical Tourism Development by María Todd, p. 202
  3. Rhassoul Ghassoul - Moroccan Rhassoul Ghassoul clay - Lava Clay
  4. "Rhassoul Ghassoul - Moroccan Rhassoul Ghassoul clay - Lava Clay | Moroccan Rhassoul Ghassoul clay". Moroccan Rhassoul Ghassoul clay.
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