Rhassoul clay is a type of clay that some people use as a cosmetic product for their skin and hair. It’s a brown clay only found in a valley in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. The term “rhassoul” comes from an Arabic word that means “to wash.”

Rhassoul clay hasn’t been extensively studied for its benefits for skin and hair. But it has been used by several different cultures for over a thousand years as a cosmetic ingredient. 

Sometimes called Moroccan red clay or ghassoul clay, rhassoul clay is a type of stevensite, a magnesium-rich clay that contains other minerals.

Most of what we know about rhassoul clay is anecdotal at this time. But the research indicates that it has some healing properties due to its unique mineral composition.

Rhassoul clay is full of metallic elements that carry a negative charge. This magnetic energy draws out positively charged toxins and bonds to them so that when you wash the clay away, the toxins purportedly go with it. For this reason, rhassoul clay is used as a detoxifier for skin and for hair.

Rhassoul clay for skin

Rhassoul clay is rich in magnesium and potassium. Anecdotally, many skincare gurus swear that magnesium can be absorbed through your skin barrier to fight acne, cleanse impurities, and improve skin elasticity.

Researchers suggest that it can act as a protective barrier while eliminating toxic substances to which the skin is exposed.