For me, clay masks are a seasonal thing. I use them a lot in summer when my skin stubbornly insists on pumping out more oil than it needs (so annoying!). The last thing I wanna do is deal with pimples, so I soak up all that excess with a clay mask before it can do any damage (you know, breakouts and all that).
But in winter my skin gets dry. There’s not even a tiny drop of excess oil to be seen anywhere. Ok, maybe there is one tiny one on my forehead, but not enough to justify the use of a clay mask. Clays can be terribly drying and I don’t want to make things worse.
But, lately, I’ve come across a type of clay that I can use all year round. It does the oil-absorbing job like all the other types of clays, of course, BUT it also moisturizes skin. I’m talking about Rhassoul clay. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of rhassoul clay in skincare and why you should add it to your routine:
What Is Rhassoul Clay?
Rhassoul clay goes by many names:
- Ghassoul clay
- Moroccan clay
- Red clay
Like you’ve probably figured out already, it has a reddish brown colour and comes directly from the lake beds of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Moroccan women have used it to take care of their skin and hair for centuries with wonderful results. So, the anecdotal evidence is there. But, what does the science says?
The mineral content of rasshoul clay is genuinely different from kaolin or bentonite, so it feels less harsh. It expands slightly when mixed with water, creating a creamy paste rather than a chalky one, making it more hydrating than other clays. Historically, it was even used in Moroccan hammams (public bathhouses) as part of cleansing rituals – women would mix it with rose water or herbal infusions, turning it into a spa-grade treatment long before Sephora existed.
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that soaks up excess oil, gets rid of blackheads, and banishes acne? Download your FREE “Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
What Does Rhassoul Clay Do For The Skin (And Hair)?
Rhassoul clay can be used as a facial mask, cleanser and even shampoo. What makes it so special?
It’s unique mineral composition. Rhassoul clay is made up of:
These minerals make Rhassoul clay a beauty superhero that can:
- Absorb excess oil and other impurities
- Moisturize skin, making it softer and smoother
- Help wounds heal faster
- Soothe irritations, psoriasis and even dandruff
- Cleanse skin and hair
- Make hair easier to detangle and style
A note on pore shrinking. Rhassoul clay does make pores look smaller. Not because it actually “shrinks” them (sorry, that’s not a thing), but because it yanks out the gunk that’s stretching them out. It’s basically like unclogging a sink – once the junk is gone, everything just looks smoother. And if you’ve got curly hair, you’ll probably get why a lot of people use it instead of shampoo. It cleans without that stripped, squeaky feeling that makes curls go frizzy.
It’s quite the multi-tasker, isn’t it?
Does Rhassoul Clay Have Any Side Effects?
Rhassoul clay is gentler than other types of clays, like bentonite. Most people tolerate it really well, but here’s the deal: if your skin is super reactive, you’ll want to patch test first. Another thing? Don’t let it dry completely into a hard crust on your face. That’s where irritation usually kicks in with any clay. Keep it slightly damp (a spritz of water or toner on top works wonders). For hair, overuse can sometimes make strands feel a little stiff, so balance it out with a conditioner afterwards.
How Do You Actually Use Rhassoul Clay?
ON YOUR FACE:
Honestly, just scoop some of the powder, chuck it in a bowl, splash in a bit of water and mix it till it looks like mud. Don’t overthink it – you’re just making mud here. Smear it all over your face and chill for like 5-10 minutes. Don’t let it dry into a crust though, that’s when clays mess you up and suck every drop of moisture out. If it starts cracking, spray a little water on top. If you want it to feel bougie, mix in a drop of oil or honey so it doesn’t get too tight.
ON YOUR HAIR:
Same deal, just bigger. Mix it with warm water until it’s like a milkshake, pour it over your head, and massage it into your scalp. It won’t foam – don’t expect bubbles – but it will lift all the grease and product junk. Leave it for a couple minutes, then rinse. Your scalp feels fresh without that squeaky, stripped thing that makes your hair freak out. Curly-haired people especially swear by it because it doesn’t kill their curls. If your hair feels a bit stiff after, just run some conditioner through the ends.
HOW OFTEN?
Once a week is plenty. Twice if you’re super oily. Every day? No, your face will hate you.
EXTRA HACKS:
You can swap the water for rose water or aloe juice if you wanna be fancy. Some people even mix in apple cider vinegar for a hardcore clean (smells gross but works). Just don’t go adding every acid in your bathroom – keep it simple. Mud + water = mask. Done.
FAQs About Rasshoul Clay
Can Rhassoul Clay Lighten Skin Or Fade Dark Spots?
Nope, it’s not some miracle bleaching cream. Don’t expect it to zap away dark spots. What it can do is clear off that layer of dead skin, oil, and gunk that’s just sitting there making your face look blah. After you wash it off, you look fresher and brighter – but that’s because your skin’s actually clean, not because the clay changed your skin color. If you’re serious about fading spots, that’s when you bring in the big guns like vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids. Rhassoul’s job is basically like the cleanup crew – it clears the way so those ingredients can actually sink in and do their thing instead of just sitting uselessly on top of dirt.
Related: The Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: What’s The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
Is Rhassoul Clay Safe For Acne-Prone Skin?
Yeah, for sure. Honestly, it’s one of the better options if you’ve got breakouts because it doesn’t suck your face bone-dry the way bentonite does. It drinks up the extra grease, takes the edge off that angry red look pimples get, and just makes your skin feel less like an oil slick. But here’s the catch – don’t get overexcited and use it every day. That’s how you end up wrecking your barrier and getting more breakouts. Treat it like a weekly reset, not your daily cleanser. Once, maybe twice a week tops.
Can I Mix Rhassoul Clay With Other Ingredients?
Yep, and this is where it gets fun. People throw all sorts of stuff in there. Honey makes it feel soft and leaves you glowy, aloe juice is clutch if your skin’s irritated, yogurt cools things down and feels kinda spa-like. Apple cider vinegar makes it a serious deep-clean, but honestly you’ll smell like salad dressing while it’s on – so maybe don’t do that right before date night. The one rule? Don’t get cocky and start dumping acids or retinol into the mix thinking you’ll double the results. That’s how you end up with a face that feels like it’s on fire. Mud plus gentle add-ins = great. Mud plus harsh crap = regret.
How Long Should I Leave Rhassoul Clay On My Skin?
Five minutes, maybe ten if you’re not super dry. Don’t sit there waiting for it to crack into dust on your face – that’s when it starts pulling water out of your skin instead of just oil. If you see it drying too fast, spray some water on top. Think “soft mask” not “cement brick.”
Can Rhassoul Clay Be Used On The Hair And Scalp?
Yeah, and it’s honestly amazing if your scalp gets greasy or itchy. Mix it with warm water until it’s like chocolate milkshake vibes, pour it on, massage your scalp, chill a few minutes, rinse. It pulls out the oil and build-up but doesn’t leave your hair squeaky and straw-like. Curly hair people love it because it doesn’t wreck their curl pattern. If your hair feels a bit stiff after, just slap on some conditioner and you’re good. Bonus: helps calm dandruff too.
Is Rhassoul Clay Suitable For Sensitive Skin?
Usually, yeah. It’s gentler than most clays. But sensitive skin is unpredictable – sometimes it’s cool, sometimes it’s like “absolutely not.” So patch test. If it burns or makes you itchy, just wash it off and don’t bother. Doesn’t matter if it’s natural – poison ivy’s natural too and you wouldn’t rub that on your face.
How Often Should Rhassoul Clay Be Used?
Once a week is enough. Twice if your skin is oily and shiny all the time. Any more than that and you’re just drying yourself out for no reason. If your face starts feeling tight or flaky, back off. Better to use it less than overdo it and regret it.
Does Rhassoul Clay Shrink Pores?
Nope. Nothing shrinks pores. That’s a straight-up myth. What it does do is suck out the crap sitting in them so they look smaller. Same size holes, just cleaner. It’s literally like unclogging a drain – pipe’s still the same size, it just doesn’t look gross anymore.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve always avoided clay masks because of their drying factor, give Rhassoul clay a go. It’s a multi-tasker that cleanses, soothes and moisturizes. You can even use it as shampoo!
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
