Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay
Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay
Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay (Moroccan Lava Clay)
Ghassoul, also called Rhassoul or Moroccan clay, is a superfine mineral clay from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Its name comes from the Arabic word for 'to wash', and it has been used for generations as a traditional cleanser for skin and hair.
Mixed with water or a floral water it becomes smooth and slippery, and it cleanses without foaming. It is rich in silica, magnesium and calcium, and makers use it in face washes, masks, hair and scalp treatments, shampoo and soap recipes.
|
Moroccan lava clay Superfine powder |
Cleanses without foam Slippery, smooth feel |
Skin, hair and soap Many uses |
100 g to 1 kg Four pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Keep out of reach of children, keep away from the eyes, patch test before first use and avoid breathing in the dust. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay |
| INCI (typical) | Moroccan Lava Clay |
| Also known as | Rhassoul clay, Moroccan red clay |
| Type | Mineral clay powder |
| Appearance | Superfine powder. Beige to reddish-brown, colour varies by batch |
| Origin | Morocco (Atlas Mountains) |
| Minerals | Silica, magnesium, calcium, iron and others (typical) |
| Suitable for | Face washes and masks, hair and scalp masks, shampoo and soap recipes, body washes, scrubs, bath blends |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Do not use on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg |
| Storage | Sealed, cool and dry, away from sunlight. Avoid metal containers |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker's responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Face wash and masks | Mix 1 tablespoon with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol, and a few drops of oil if you like. Leave on about 10 minutes |
| Hair and scalp masks | Mix 1 tablespoon with 2-3 tablespoons of water, massage into the scalp, leave 5-10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo if you like |
| Body wash and bath | Mix into a paste for a soap-free wash, or add to a warm bath |
| Soap and shampoo bars | Adds a silky, mineral feel. Mix to a paste first |
| Scrubs | Mix with oil and salt or sugar |
| Bath blends | Sprinkle in or pre-mix into a thick liquid |
How to Use Ghassoul as a Face Wash or Mask
- Mix. In a glass, ceramic or plastic bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of ghassoul clay with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol until smooth and creamy. A few drops of carrier oil is optional.
- Patch test. Try a small amount on the inside of your arm first.
- Apply. Spread over clean, damp skin, avoiding the eyes and lips. It should feel smooth and slippery.
- Leave on. Leave for about 10 minutes, or until partly dry, as a mask. Use it as a quick wash by massaging and rinsing straight away.
- Rinse and moisturise. Rinse well with warm water, pat dry and moisturise.
Using It in Soap, Bath & Scrubs ▼
These are common maker starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face mask | 1 tbsp clay + 1-2 tbsp water or hydrosol | Add a few drops of carrier oil for a creamier mask. Rinse before it dries completely. |
| Body wrap or paste | 2-3 tbsp clay + water to a spreadable paste | Apply to the body and rinse off after about 10 minutes. |
| Bath | 1/4-1/2 cup per bath | Sprinkle in while the bath runs, or pre-mix into a paste. Use a mesh bag or rinse the tub well afterwards. |
| Cold process soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of soap oils | Stir into a little oil first, then add at light trace. Ghassoul gives a soft beige to tan tone in soap. |
| Melt and pour soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of base | Mix to a paste with a little vegetable glycerine first, then stir into the melted base. Too much can make a soap feel dry or dull. |
| Bath bombs | About 1 tbsp per 500 g of dry mix | Mix through the dry ingredients until the colour is even. Can stain tubs lightly. |
| Scrubs | 1-2 tbsp per cup of sugar or salt scrub base | Mix into the base with your chosen oil. |
See the cosmetic making supplies collection for oils, butters and bases to formulate with.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Clumps when mixing | Liquid poured onto dry clay | Sprinkle the clay onto the liquid instead and let it sit for a minute before stirring. |
| Mask dries hard and feels tight | Left on too long, or too little liquid | Rinse while still slightly damp, use a little more water or a few drops of carrier oil, and moisturise afterwards. |
| Skin looks red or feels sore | Sensitivity to clay or an added ingredient | Rinse with cool water. Patch test before use, keep the first sessions short, and stop if irritation continues. |
| Colour changes in soap | Clays can shift in colour in lye or with heat | Test a small batch. Mixing the clay with a little oil or glycerine first helps it blend evenly. |
| Specks or streaks in soap | Clay not fully mixed in | Mix to a smooth paste before adding, then stick-blend or stir well. |
| Mix spoils or smells off | Water-based mixes can grow mould | Mix fresh and use straight away, and discard leftovers. Add a suitable preservative to anything you plan to keep. |
| Blocked drain | Clay settling in pipes | Wipe off with a cloth where you can, use a strainer, and run plenty of water after a bath. |
Safety & Selling Your Products ▼
This product is a cosmetic raw material for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children, keep it away from the eyes and do not use it on broken or irritated skin. Fine powders can irritate the airways, so wear a dust mask when weighing or pouring and avoid creating dust clouds. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs.
Mix clays in glass, ceramic, plastic or wooden bowls and tools, and avoid metal. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not rinse large amounts of mask, bath or scrub down the sink, as clay can settle and block drains. Wipe it off with a cloth and put it in the bin, or use a strainer.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is the difference between ghassoul and rhassoul?
They are different spellings of the same clay. It is also called Moroccan red clay.
Can I use it as a shampoo?
Many makers use ghassoul as a gentle clay hair wash or in solid shampoo recipes. It cleanses without foaming, so expect a different feel from a normal shampoo. Test first.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
It is described by many makers as a gentle, softening clay. Skin differs, so patch test first.
What colour does it make in soap?
A soft beige to tan. The shade depends on your recipe.
Can I eat it or use it internally?
No. It is sold for external cosmetic use only.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| 250 g | $26.00 | $10.40 |
| 500 g | $45.00 | $9.00 |
| 1 kg | $90.00 | $9.00 |
Pairs Well With
Pair with bentonite clay, Fuller's earth or kaolin clay, and add lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil. Mix a wash with hydrosol or lavender hydrosol and jojoba oil. For soap, use with a white SLS-free melt and pour base or clear SLS-free melt and pour base. Browse all clays and cosmetic powders. |
 Product Documents
|
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Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay (Moroccan Lava Clay)
Ghassoul, also called Rhassoul or Moroccan clay, is a superfine mineral clay from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Its name comes from the Arabic word for 'to wash', and it has been used for generations as a traditional cleanser for skin and hair.
Mixed with water or a floral water it becomes smooth and slippery, and it cleanses without foaming. It is rich in silica, magnesium and calcium, and makers use it in face washes, masks, hair and scalp treatments, shampoo and soap recipes.
|
Moroccan lava clay Superfine powder |
Cleanses without foam Slippery, smooth feel |
Skin, hair and soap Many uses |
100 g to 1 kg Four pack sizes |
Safety information: for external (cosmetic) use only. Keep out of reach of children, keep away from the eyes, patch test before first use and avoid breathing in the dust. See Safety below and the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section at the end of this page.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay |
| INCI (typical) | Moroccan Lava Clay |
| Also known as | Rhassoul clay, Moroccan red clay |
| Type | Mineral clay powder |
| Appearance | Superfine powder. Beige to reddish-brown, colour varies by batch |
| Origin | Morocco (Atlas Mountains) |
| Minerals | Silica, magnesium, calcium, iron and others (typical) |
| Suitable for | Face washes and masks, hair and scalp masks, shampoo and soap recipes, body washes, scrubs, bath blends |
| Not suitable for | Internal use. Do not use on broken skin |
| Pack Sizes | 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg |
| Storage | Sealed, cool and dry, away from sunlight. Avoid metal containers |
| Use | Raw material for makers. Formulation, safety assessment and labelling of finished products are the maker's responsibility |
Uses
| Use | How it is used |
|---|---|
| Face wash and masks | Mix 1 tablespoon with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol, and a few drops of oil if you like. Leave on about 10 minutes |
| Hair and scalp masks | Mix 1 tablespoon with 2-3 tablespoons of water, massage into the scalp, leave 5-10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo if you like |
| Body wash and bath | Mix into a paste for a soap-free wash, or add to a warm bath |
| Soap and shampoo bars | Adds a silky, mineral feel. Mix to a paste first |
| Scrubs | Mix with oil and salt or sugar |
| Bath blends | Sprinkle in or pre-mix into a thick liquid |
How to Use Ghassoul as a Face Wash or Mask
- Mix. In a glass, ceramic or plastic bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of ghassoul clay with 1-2 tablespoons of water or a hydrosol until smooth and creamy. A few drops of carrier oil is optional.
- Patch test. Try a small amount on the inside of your arm first.
- Apply. Spread over clean, damp skin, avoiding the eyes and lips. It should feel smooth and slippery.
- Leave on. Leave for about 10 minutes, or until partly dry, as a mask. Use it as a quick wash by massaging and rinsing straight away.
- Rinse and moisturise. Rinse well with warm water, pat dry and moisturise.
Using It in Soap, Bath & Scrubs ▼
These are common maker starting points, not fixed rules. Results vary with your recipe, so always test a small batch first.
| Use | Starting amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face mask | 1 tbsp clay + 1-2 tbsp water or hydrosol | Add a few drops of carrier oil for a creamier mask. Rinse before it dries completely. |
| Body wrap or paste | 2-3 tbsp clay + water to a spreadable paste | Apply to the body and rinse off after about 10 minutes. |
| Bath | 1/4-1/2 cup per bath | Sprinkle in while the bath runs, or pre-mix into a paste. Use a mesh bag or rinse the tub well afterwards. |
| Cold process soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of soap oils | Stir into a little oil first, then add at light trace. Ghassoul gives a soft beige to tan tone in soap. |
| Melt and pour soap | About 1 tsp-1 tbsp per 500 g of base | Mix to a paste with a little vegetable glycerine first, then stir into the melted base. Too much can make a soap feel dry or dull. |
| Bath bombs | About 1 tbsp per 500 g of dry mix | Mix through the dry ingredients until the colour is even. Can stain tubs lightly. |
| Scrubs | 1-2 tbsp per cup of sugar or salt scrub base | Mix into the base with your chosen oil. |
See the cosmetic making supplies collection for oils, butters and bases to formulate with.
Tips & Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Clumps when mixing | Liquid poured onto dry clay | Sprinkle the clay onto the liquid instead and let it sit for a minute before stirring. |
| Mask dries hard and feels tight | Left on too long, or too little liquid | Rinse while still slightly damp, use a little more water or a few drops of carrier oil, and moisturise afterwards. |
| Skin looks red or feels sore | Sensitivity to clay or an added ingredient | Rinse with cool water. Patch test before use, keep the first sessions short, and stop if irritation continues. |
| Colour changes in soap | Clays can shift in colour in lye or with heat | Test a small batch. Mixing the clay with a little oil or glycerine first helps it blend evenly. |
| Specks or streaks in soap | Clay not fully mixed in | Mix to a smooth paste before adding, then stick-blend or stir well. |
| Mix spoils or smells off | Water-based mixes can grow mould | Mix fresh and use straight away, and discard leftovers. Add a suitable preservative to anything you plan to keep. |
| Blocked drain | Clay settling in pipes | Wipe off with a cloth where you can, use a strainer, and run plenty of water after a bath. |
Safety & Selling Your Products ▼
This product is a cosmetic raw material for external use only. Do not swallow it, keep it out of reach of children, keep it away from the eyes and do not use it on broken or irritated skin. Fine powders can irritate the airways, so wear a dust mask when weighing or pouring and avoid creating dust clouds. Do a patch test before first use and stop using it if irritation occurs.
Mix clays in glass, ceramic, plastic or wooden bowls and tools, and avoid metal. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not rinse large amounts of mask, bath or scrub down the sink, as clay can settle and block drains. Wipe it off with a cloth and put it in the bin, or use a strainer.
Selling what you make? This is a raw material for makers. The formulation, preservation, safety assessment, labelling and any regulatory requirements for your finished cosmetics or soap (including the NZ cosmetic rules) are your responsibility, and health or treatment claims should not be made for your products. Contact us at info@purefx.co.nz if you need product information.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
What is the difference between ghassoul and rhassoul?
They are different spellings of the same clay. It is also called Moroccan red clay.
Can I use it as a shampoo?
Many makers use ghassoul as a gentle clay hair wash or in solid shampoo recipes. It cleanses without foaming, so expect a different feel from a normal shampoo. Test first.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
It is described by many makers as a gentle, softening clay. Skin differs, so patch test first.
What colour does it make in soap?
A soft beige to tan. The shade depends on your recipe.
Can I eat it or use it internally?
No. It is sold for external cosmetic use only.
Sizes & Price
| Pack | Price | Price per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| 250 g | $26.00 | $10.40 |
| 500 g | $45.00 | $9.00 |
| 1 kg | $90.00 | $9.00 |
Pairs Well With
Pair with bentonite clay, Fuller's earth or kaolin clay, and add lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil. Mix a wash with hydrosol or lavender hydrosol and jojoba oil. For soap, use with a white SLS-free melt and pour base or clear SLS-free melt and pour base. Browse all clays and cosmetic powders. |
|
Product Documents
|
