Rhassoul Clay
A Soft, Balancing Clay for Skin & Hair
What Is Rhassoul Clay?
Rhassoul Clay, also known as Moroccan Lava Clay, is a naturally occurring clay formed deep beneath the Atlas Mountains in eastern Morocco. It has been used for centuries in traditional skin and hair care rituals and is valued for its unique mineral composition and silky texture.
Rhassoul is naturally rich in silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and other trace minerals, which contribute to its distinctive feel and performance in cosmetic formulations.
How Cosmetic Clays Work
Cosmetic clays clean the skin through two complementary mechanisms: adsorption and absorption.
Clays use adsorption to attract oil and surface impurities to their outer surface—much like a magnet to help rid skin of dirt and debris from everyday exposure to environmental pollutants, which can help clear blemishes.
At the same time, their naturally porous structure allows absorption, meaning oils and residues are drawn into the clay itself. Working together, these actions help lift excess oil from the skin and hold it so it can be rinsed away.
This dual action helps cleanse pores, control surface shine, and leave skin feeling refreshed and clean—without harsh surfactants or stripping ingredients.
Why Rhassoul Clay Is Used in Skin & Hair Care
Rhassoul clay is valued for its balance of effective cleansing and conditioning. It lifts oil and surface buildup while helping maintain the skin’s and hair’s natural softness and comfort.
Compared to kaolin, rhassoul is richer in minerals such as magnesium and silica and offers a more balanced level of absorption. While kaolin is milder and less absorbent—making it ideal for sensitive skin that benefits from very gentle cleansing—rhassoul provides a deeper, more conditioning cleanse without aggressively stripping natural oils.
At the same time, rhassoul is gentler than strongly drawing clays like bentonite, which are often chosen for very oily or congested skin. This places rhassoul in a unique middle ground: more cleansing and conditioning than kaolin, yet more balanced and less drying than highly absorbent clays.
Its soft, silky texture and mineral profile help explain why rhassoul has long been used in facial masks, body treatments, soaps, and shampoos designed to cleanse while preserving comfort and moisture balance.
How Rhassoul Clay Supports Skin
- Deep but Gentle Cleansing: Adsorption and absorption help lift surface dirt, excess oil, and everyday environmental buildup without harsh scrubbing.
- Improves Skin Texture: Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead surface skin cells, contributing to smoother-looking skin and improved clarity.
- Oil Balance: Helps manage excess oil while remaining comfortable for a wide range of skin types.
- Comforting & Soothing: Its soft texture and mineral content help leave skin feeling calm and refreshed.
- Mineral Support: Naturally occurring minerals contribute to skin-conditioning benefits and a refined skin feel.
How Rhassoul Clay Supports Hair & Scalp
Rhassoul clay has a long history of use in hair care and was traditionally used as a natural cleansing treatment.
- Cleanses Without Stripping: Helps lift oil, residue, and product buildup while preserving hair’s natural softness.
- Reduces Dryness: Unlike some stronger clays, rhassoul helps cleanse without leaving hair feeling dry or brittle.
- Softness & Shine: Leaves hair feeling smoother, lighter, and more manageable.
- Scalp Refreshing: Helps cleanse the scalp and remove buildup while maintaining comfort.
Skin & Hair Types
Rhassoul is often considered perfect for all skin types since it attracts and lifts dirt, yet does not strip the skin of precious natural oils. It is commonly used in products formulated for:
- Normal skin
- Combination skin
- Oily skin
- Dull or congested skin
- Normal to oily hair
- Hair prone to buildup
Because of its balanced nature, rhassoul is often chosen when stronger clays feel too drying and gentler clays feel too mild.
Buyer Beware: Clay Quality Matters
Clays are used in many industrial applications, and not all clays sold on the market are intended for cosmetic use. Lower-cost, industrial-grade clays may vary widely in purity and processing.
Knowing your clay, and how it is sourced, processed, and handled, is very important.
The clays we use are carefully sourced, ensuring they meet strict standards for cosmetic use. Since we are a USDA Certified Organic Company, the quality of our clays is also monitored by our USDA organic certification agency.
Learn More About Cosmetic Clays
Clays are complex, fascinating materials, and their behavior depends on mineral structure, particle size, and formulation.
👉 For a deeper look into the science of how cosmetic clays work and how different clays compare, read our blog: Cosmetic Clays in Skin Care
