Vrouw brengt een ghassoul kleimasker aan, met een kom ghassoul op de badkamerkast

Ghassoul masks: how to use the clay from the Atlas?

Ghassoul is the mild clay from the Atlas Mountains that cleanses your skin without drying it out. Read here what ghassoul does, how to make a mask, and how often you can use it.

In Moroccan beauty rituals, there is one remedy that is almost indispensable: ghassoul, also known as rhassoul. This natural clay from the Atlas mountain regions has been used for centuries to cleanse skin and hair, doing so in a way that is surprisingly gentle. In this article, you will read about what ghassoul does, how to make a mask, and how often you can use it.

What is ghassoul?

Ghassoul is a natural clay that is extracted in Morocco, among other places, in the Middle Atlas mountains. The word comes from the Arabic word for washing, and that is exactly what the clay does: ghassoul absorbs dirt and impurities like a sponge, but without stripping away the oils and nutrients that your skin naturally contains. As a result, the skin feels clean and soft after use, rather than tight and dry.

The benefits of ghassoul

Ghassoul is used for a thorough yet gentle cleansing of the face and body, as well as for the hair. The clay attracts impurities and excess sebum, making the skin matte and more even, while simultaneously soothing the skin. For oily or combination skin, ghassoul is therefore one of the most beloved natural masks.

How to use a ghassoul mask

The classic way is with loose clay: mix a tablespoon of ghassoul with some lukewarm water into a smooth paste, let it rest for a few minutes, and apply it to a cleansed face. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. If you want to keep it easier, the ready-made masks from AYTiRA are a great solution: the Ghassoul Ready-to-Use Mask is ready for immediate use, and the variety with rose and aker fassi has an extra brightening effect according to Moroccan tradition.

AYTiRA Ghassoul Ready-to-Use Mask, 200 g

AYTiRA Ghassoul with Rose and Aker Fassi, 200 g

How often can you use ghassoul?

For most skin types, once or twice a week is enough. If you have dry or sensitive skin, once a week or every two weeks is a better choice, and it is wise to always moisturize after the mask. Listen to your skin: if it feels tight or stretched after use, choose a longer interval between masks.

What to look out for?

Test the mask first on a small patch of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Use lukewarm water to mix and rinse, not hot water.
Do not let the mask dry out on your face; rinse it off while it is still slightly damp.
Moisturize after the mask, for example with cold-pressed argan oil.

Do you want to use ghassoul in a complete routine? Read our article on the complete home hammam routine, or dive into the effects of nila powder, the blue gold from the Sahara.