Thursday, February 16, 2012

What is Rhassoul Clay?






“Consumers have real power they are not exercising, we need to let cosmetic companies know we’re not going to buy their products unless they make a strong unwavering commitment to safety.” Janet Nudelman, Safe Cosmetics Campaign. (1)


My job enables me to work with women-owned co-operatives and female producers in Africa.

Recently I received a sample of 100% pure [chemical free] Rhassoul clay from Morocco. 

More times than I can count, I've watched many of our customers buy Rhassoul for skin care purposes...but what I've found very intriguing is when some buy it solely to Shampoo with!

So, I decided to give it a try...

Personally, I believe that nature has given us everything. But marketing and advertising convinces us otherwise.


What is Rhassoul clay?
Rhassoul comes from the Arabic word "rassala" meaning "washing’’. It is found deep beneath the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This clay is probably one of the most perfect clays in the world, because it is ideal for all skin care and dermatological uses(3)
Rhassoul has been used for over 1400 years by nobles in ancient Rome and Egypt as a soap, shampoo and skin conditioner. It has an outstanding ability to cleanse, nourish and condition the skin and hair. (3)

Properties of Rhassoul clay?
Easy to use Rhassoul is 100% natural and ecological.
It contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other trace minerals than other clays. These minerals make the clay highly detoxifying as they can actually exchange themselves for toxic compounds like metals in the skin. The clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin, it also replaces them with nourishing trace minerals. The clay's high level of ions exchange makes it ideal for toning and enriching the skin. Perhaps the best part about Rhassoul clay is what it doesn't contain! No petrochemical derivatives, no synthetic preservatives, no surfactants or artificial colors ... all of which are common in commercial soaps and cleansers.(3)

Uses of Rhassoul clay?
Rhassoul clay may also help to improve the appearance of skin troubled by eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. In addition, it helps with dandruff and thinning hair. (2)(3)

Using Rhassoul Clay as Shampoo?
The amount of Rhassoul clay you use will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. 

  • With a non-metallic bowl and spoon mix the clay with warm water or rose water to obtain a smooth creamy paste let the mixture hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes.(3)
  • Wet your hair and divide it into 4 sections. Curly hair is delicate and can be oversensitive to rough handling so apply clay gently.
  • Leave it in your hair for about 15 – 20 minutes. 
  • Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water, then condition and style.

The results are fantastic! Rhassoul removes build-up and leaves your hair clean, and moisturized!


Hint:
I conditioned with Carina’s Certified Organic Daily light conditioner {I left it in my hair for approximately 1 hour} and then rinsed off with apple cider vinegar.

CARINA'S INGREDIENTS: Aqua, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Pinus divaricata (pine) extract, Pinus banksiana (pine) extract, Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, Urtica dioca (nettle) leaf extract, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf extract, Trifolium pretense (clover) flower extract, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oil, Pyrus malus (green apple) extract, Ananas sativus (pineapple) extract, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Curcurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Beeswax.(4)
Ingredients in Latin & Scientific names. English translation in brackets.

Store your clay in the fridge or cool dark place. 
(3)
How to store your mud: in airtight non-metallic container in the fridge for up to one week. (3)
Where to buy Rhassoul clay? Nharo Fair trade arts & crafts Inc. $9.50 (165g)


Your thoughts?




Sources
  1. Ephraim, Rebecca. The Ugly Side of Pretty. Safecosmetics.org.  Dragon Fly Media. 1 February 2005. Web. 16 February. 2012
  2. DIY Beauty: Rhassoul clay facial cleanser. VivaWoman.net. 3 December 2008. Web. 16 February. 2012.
  3. Rhassoul Clay. Arganoiltree.com. n.d. Web. 16 February. 2012
  4. Nature’s blend with certified orgnaics. Carinaorganics.com. n.d. Web. 16 February. 2012
  5. Images:alifedeliberate;  
Do not copy©shakara-naturaltips.blogspot.com

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for making us aware of some of these amazing natural products from Africa. Excited to have my rhassoul clay and see the results on my hair and face

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    Replies
    1. You are very welcome Ekua! enjoy!!! Also, please feel free to share your experience once you've tried it.

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  2. Hey I just wanted to let you know that you may want to recommend that causcasian or light lskinned women use the mud for a short time only. I had it on for 20 minutes and my skin is bright pink. It will probably be ok by the morning. I put vaseline on it and cold facecloths. I felt fine during the process and it does not feel irritated, just warm. L.

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  3. Hi, Thanks for your feedback. Before getting started (on the face or hair) always do an allergy test to avoid any problems. It usually takes 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15 to 20 minutes for normal skin, but if it is wet, it is still working. The pulling and tightening sensation is normal and what you want to happen. Remove the clay by washing off with warm water. There may be a slight redness, this is normal and will disappear. Hope this helps!

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  4. I have a small sample of Rhassoul clay that I'm going to try on my face this weekend. I am a Bentonite clay user but I'v heard Rhassoul is "superior" so we'll see :)

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  5. Hi Vee, I LOVE Rhassoul, the results are awesome!! please don't forget to share your experience with us!

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