It was a couple of months before the pandemic hit and changed our lives forever that I got acquainted with Rhassoul clay. I was planning a trip to Turkey, only excited about a hot air balloon experience, when almost every other travel blog I read talked about Turkish hammams. An ancient and elaborated bath ritual deep-rooted in Turkish culture, these hammams are traditional spas that use the benefits of Rhassoul clay.

Rhassoul clay – the word is taken from an Arabic word rhassala which means ‘to wash’ – is a type of mud known for its mineral value that benefits skin and hair. Dominantly found in the Atlas mountains in Morocco, it’s formed from volcanic ash under the mountains. While reading about the elaborated Turkish bath ritual with Rhassoul clay, I got acquainted with its use in beauty products available in India. Pleasantly surprised, I learned the clay has found its way to our beauty shelf in daily skincare routines which got me interested to try it.

With its powerful detoxifying qualities and high mineral content like magnesium, Rhassoul clay – also known as red or French clay – is a potent ingredient to deep-cleanse the skin and scalp. It helps regulate the production of oil and therefore, I tried it in three different ways for hair, skin, and body.

For Dry Skin - Rhassoul Mineral Mud with Rosehip Oil

Do people with dry skin type need to exfoliate the skin? While hard exfoliation is better avoided, using gentle ingredients to slough off dead skin cells is recommended. Rhassoul mud is a light exfoliator, which when mixed with moisture-trapping ingredients like rosehip oil, complements the functioning of dry skin. This remedy also works on acne that's caused due to the overproduction of sebum to compensate for the dryness in the skin. 

Mix equal parts of the clay and rosehip oil to achieve a paste-like consistency. Add a tablespoon of rose water, if needed, to let the ingredients mix well. Apply the paste on clean and dry skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Use a soft washcloth soaked in warm water to remove the face pack. Splash some water on the face to remove the residue. Follow it up with your regular moisturiser and sunscreen.

For Hair - Rhassoul Mineral Mud with Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is known for its hydrating properties. However, the oil is heavy in texture and might weigh the hair down. Therefore, this remedy is recommended for those with a dehydrated scalp that needs detoxification. Also, people with fine hair must add a carrier oil to keep it lightweight and refreshing.

Mix half tablespoon of jojoba oil and an oil of your choice, and add it to the clay powder. Take care of the consistency and make a paste that doesn’t drip when applied on hair from roots to length. Keep it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with a gentle shampoo. You can skip conditioner or heavy hair masque. It adds shine to the hair while taking care of a flaky, itchy, and dry scalp.

For Body - Rhassoul Clay with Oats and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

For those who are new to this concept, body exfoliation is as important as that of face skin. The gritty texture of oats acts as a perfect exfoliator which when paired with ACV doubles up as a chemical exfoliator. While rhassoul clay acts as natural body polish, when mixed with crushed oats and ACV, it’s a gentle body exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and light spots.

Mix the clay with a tablespoon of ACV and half a teaspoon of oats. If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of water to let the mixture get soaked. Use it on your arms and back to get rid of dead skin and tan lines.